Copper-chromium-zirconium

 

Pure copper (minimum 99.90%) is well established as the best commercial electrical conductor; over 50% of produced copper is used for electrical applications.

 

However, it has low hardness and moderate strength, and a range of copper alloys has been developed with enhanced mechanical properties for special applications. It should be noted that there is a decrease in electrical conductivity with increased strength; therefore, a compromise between high electrical conductivity and high strength must be made when selecting an alloy for a particular application.

 

One of the copper alloys produced with improved mechanical properties is copper-chromium-zirconium (CW106C). The alloy composition typically consists of 0.8% chromium, 0.06 to 0.08% zirconium and the balance of Copper (C18150).

​

Applications

​

Typical applications that require the combination of properties offered by this alloy, BM1815 or C18150 - high electrical and thermal conductivity with improved strength compared to pure copper - include:

 

• Resistance welding shafts

• Welding electrodes

• Welding electrode holders

• Seam welding wheels

• Frame components

• Circuit breaker parts

• Rotating electrical machinery

• Lead frames

• Trolley wire for high-speed railways

​

​