Top 3 Benefits of Using Copper in Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

Last updated on August 2nd, 2024 at 08:26 am

When you think about sheet metal fabrication, which metals come to mind? Most people think of aluminum and various types of steel, such as stainless steel and galvanized steel. However, copper is also an important material for sheet metal fabrication that shouldn’t be left out of the conversation!

At Approved Sheet Metal, we work with copper frequently. Here are a few reasons why copper may be the right choice for the job:

1. Exceptional Conductivity

Copper is renowned for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which is why it is extensively used in electrical applications. In sheet metal fabrication, copper’s high conductivity makes it an ideal choice for components such as circuit boards, heat sinks, and electrical contacts. Its ability to efficiently transfer heat also makes it useful in applications requiring thermal management.

At Approved Sheet Metal, we specialize in a wide range of fabricated copper parts for electrical applications, including busbars, contacts, brackets, plates, and covers.

2. Antimicrobial Properties

Copper and its alloys (like brass and bronze) have natural antimicrobial properties, making them ideal for applications where hygiene is crucial. This property is especially beneficial in sheet metal fabrication for medical equipment, hospital surfaces, and kitchen countertops, where it helps to reduce the spread of bacteria and other pathogens.

3. Excellent Workability and Aesthetic Appeal

Copper is highly malleable and ductile, allowing it to be easily shaped, bent, and formed into complex shapes without cracking. This makes it a favorite material for decorative and architectural elements such as roofing, gutters, and ornamental features. Its distinctive reddish-brown color and ability to develop a patina over time add to its aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for both functional and decorative applications in sheet metal fabrication.

Copper vs. Aluminum

Aluminum and copper can be used for similar applications. Both metals are corrosion-resistant and are excellent electrical conductors. However, each has its strengths that can make it the right choice for certain situations.

Copper has higher electrical conductivity, ampacity, and thermal expansion than aluminum, as well as higher strength and better corrosion resistance. Aluminum, on the other hand, is lighter, more affordable, and more available than copper.

The right metal for the job will depend on the specifics of your project. However, copper is typically best for high-performance electrical systems, critical infrastructure, and applications that are exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Aluminum, by contrast, is best suited for applications that are weight- or cost-sensitive, or those that require better heat dissipation.

Choose Approved Sheet Metal for Your Copper Fabrication Needs

Copper requires a different approach than other metals due to its unique material properties. We’ve dialed in the control parameters of our equipment to be optimally suited for copper fabrication. We most commonly work with C101 & C110 grades of copper, but we work in other grades as well. Additionally, we use oxygen instead of the standard nitrogen for our laser machines when cutting copper. High-pressure oxygen leads to the formation of copper oxide on the surface of the workpiece, improving the efficiency of the laser cutting process by reducing the reflectivity of the copper material.

ASM has over three decades of sheet metal fabrication experience, and we have the equipment and expertise to produce your parts quickly and with exceptional quality. Whether you need copper sheet metal parts made for electrical, medical, robotics, instrumentation, aerospace or any other application, ASM can produce your parts in both prototype and low-volume production quantities (up to 5,000) with a lead time of 2-10 days.

Request a quote today to learn more about how ASM can help with your copper fabrication needs.