What are Some Common Copper Alloys Used for CNC Machining?
Copper and its alloys are frequently used in CNC machining because of their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, good corrosion resistance, and high ductility. Here are some common copper alloys used for CNC machining:
1. Copper 101 and 110 copper alloys.
2. Bronze - an alloy of copper and tin, is known for its high strength, wear resistance, and thermal conductivity.
3. Beryllium Copper - an alloy of copper and beryllium, is known for its excellent strength, hardness, and electrical conductivity.
4. Copper Nickel Silicon - an alloy of copper, nickel, and silicon.
Why Choose Xintao Copper CNC Machining?
Choosing Xintao Copper CNC Machining provides several benefits, including:
High Quality - Xintao uses advanced technology and high-quality materials to provide precision machining services.
Experience - Xintao has over 20 years of experience in the CNC machining industry. The company has a skilled team of engineers, technicians, and operators who have the expertise and knowledge to handle complex machining projects.
Versatility - Xintao can handle a wide range of copper alloys and produce various products, including precision copper parts, copper heat sinks, copper coils, gears, and shafts, among others.
Customization - Xintao can customize products according to clients' specific requirements.
Competitive pricing - Xintao provides competitive pricing for its products and services. The company can produce high-quality products at an affordable price due to its modern equipment and efficient processes.
Overall, Xintao Copper CNC Machining offers high-quality, customized products at competitive prices and has extensive experience in the field.
Why is Machining Copper Difficult?
Machining copper presents several difficulties due to its unique physical properties:
Softness and Ductility: Copper is relatively soft and ductile, which makes it prone to tearing and deformation during machining. Its softness can also lead to rapid tool wear and a poor surface finish if not managed properly.
Heat Generation: Copper has high thermal conductivity, which means it tends to generate a lot of heat during machining. This can lead to overheating of both the tool and the workpiece, causing issues like work hardening and tool damage.
Chip Removal: The chips produced during copper machining can be sticky and difficult to remove. If chips are not cleared effectively, they can cause clogging and impact the quality of the finished product.
Work Hardening: Copper can work harden during machining, where the material becomes harder and more brittle due to the deformation. This can make further machining more challenging and may require adjustments to cutting parameters.
To mitigate these difficulties, it's crucial to use sharp tooling, appropriate cutting speeds and feeds, adequate coolant, and effective chip removal techniques.
What is the best copper for CNC machine?
The best type of copper for CNC machining depends on the specific application, but generally, C110 copper (also known as Electrolytic Tough Pitch or ETP copper) is the most commonly used grade for CNC machining. Here's why:
C110 Copper (ETP Copper):
Purity: C110 copper is 99.9% pure copper, making it highly conductive, which is a critical property in many applications.
Machinability: While copper is not as easy to machine as some other metals due to its softness and tendency to gum up, C110 has relatively good machinability compared to other copper alloys.
Corrosion Resistance: It offers excellent resistance to corrosion, which is important for many industrial applications.
Weldability: C110 is easily welded and brazed, making it versatile for different manufacturing processes.
Other Copper Alloys for CNC Machining:
C145 Tellurium Copper: If you need better machinability, C145 (Tellurium Copper) is a good option. It contains a small amount of tellurium, which significantly improves machinability while still maintaining good electrical conductivity.
C172 Beryllium Copper: For applications requiring high strength and good conductivity, C172 (Beryllium Copper) is an excellent choice. However, it is more challenging to machine and more expensive.
C110 copper is generally the best all-around choice for CNC machining due to its combination of conductivity, machinability, and availability. If machinability is a higher priority, C145 Tellurium Copper might be a better choice.
