MATERIAL & PROCESS FOCUS

CNC Machining Copper

The ultimate material for thermal and electrical conductivity. We have the expertise to machine pure copper alloys to create high-performance components for the most demanding applications.

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A CNC machined copper heatsink base, highlighting its thermal applications

Unmatched Electrical & Thermal Performance

Copper is a metallic element prized for having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any non-precious metal. This makes it the essential material for applications where efficiently moving electricity or heat is the primary design goal.

Superior Conductivity

Copper's low electrical resistivity makes it the global standard for wiring, bus bars, terminals, and any component that carries electrical current. Its high thermal conductivity allows it to rapidly absorb and dissipate heat, making it ideal for heat sinks and heat exchangers.

Machining Challenges

Unlike brass, pure copper is soft, gummy, and has a high coefficient of friction. This makes it challenging to machine. It requires very sharp tooling, specific cutting geometries, high feeds, and effective coolant management to prevent the material from sticking to the tool and to achieve a good surface finish. Our machinists have the specific expertise required for this demanding material.

Common Applications for Machined Copper

Copper parts are found wherever efficient energy transfer is needed.

Heat Sinks & Heat Exchangers: Custom-machined heat sinks for cooling high-power electronics, CPUs, and LEDs.
Electrical Components: Bus bars, electrical contacts, terminals, and high-current connectors.
High-Vacuum Equipment: Oxygen-free copper (C101) is used for components in scientific and vacuum applications due to its low outgassing.
EDM Electrodes: Copper is often used as the electrode material in Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM).

A heatsink with fins CNC milled from pure copper

Copper Machining FAQ

What is the difference between C101 and C110 copper?

C101 Copper is Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC), with 99.99% purity. It has the highest conductivity and is used for high-end audio and scientific applications. C110, or Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper, has 99.9% purity and is the most common grade used for general electrical and thermal applications. It is slightly easier to machine than C101.

Why not just use aluminum for heat sinks?

Aluminum is a good thermal conductor and is much lighter and cheaper than copper. However, copper has approximately 60% higher thermal conductivity than aluminum. For applications where maximum heat dissipation is required in the smallest possible space, copper is the superior choice.

Can copper parts be plated or finished?

Yes. Copper parts will tarnish over time. To prevent this and improve durability, they are often plated with nickel, silver, or gold. Nickel plating provides a hard, corrosion-resistant barrier, while silver and gold plating are used to improve surface conductivity and solderability for electrical contacts.