Reviewed · 2026-08-03
Copper & Copper Alloys
Copper materials range from high-conductivity coppers through brasses, bronzes, copper-nickels and precipitation-strengthened alloys. Selection must use the five-digit UNS identity, wrought or cast form, temper/heat treatment, conductivity, strength, environment and joining route together.
Classification basis
UNS number ranges separate coppers, high-copper alloys, brasses, bronzes and copper-nickels, with independent wrought and cast series.
Use UNS families to separate conductivity, machinability, spring, wear, marine and high-strength systems.
A familiar grade name never replaces the governing product specification and certified documentation.01
Explore subcategories
Pure & High-Copper Alloys
Use exact UNS identity and wrought/cast product form; traditional family names alone are too broad for substitution or acceptance.
→Copper alloysBrass
Use exact UNS identity and wrought/cast product form; traditional family names alone are too broad for substitution or acceptance.
→Copper alloysPhosphor & Tin Bronze
Use exact UNS identity and wrought/cast product form; traditional family names alone are too broad for substitution or acceptance.
→Copper alloysAluminum & Silicon Bronze
Use exact UNS identity and wrought/cast product form; traditional family names alone are too broad for substitution or acceptance.
→Copper alloysCopper-Nickel
Use exact UNS identity and wrought/cast product form; traditional family names alone are too broad for substitution or acceptance.
→Copper alloysHigh-Strength & High-Conductivity Copper
Use exact UNS identity and wrought/cast product form; traditional family names alone are too broad for substitution or acceptance.
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Representative grades and systems
| Grade / system | Use as a selection entry point |
|---|---|
| C10100 | Rank conductivity, strength, temperature, wear, corrosion, forming and joining requirements. |
| C11000 | Choose the exact wrought or cast UNS alloy and temper that satisfies the dominant function. |
| C12200 | Check regulations, dezincification, ammonia/SCC, seawater flow and galvanic effects where relevant. |
| C26000 | Rank conductivity, strength, temperature, wear, corrosion, forming and joining requirements. |
| C36000 | Choose the exact wrought or cast UNS alloy and temper that satisfies the dominant function. |
| C51000 | Check regulations, dezincification, ammonia/SCC, seawater flow and galvanic effects where relevant. |
| C63000 | Rank conductivity, strength, temperature, wear, corrosion, forming and joining requirements. |
| C70600 | Choose the exact wrought or cast UNS alloy and temper that satisfies the dominant function. |
| C71500 | Check regulations, dezincification, ammonia/SCC, seawater flow and galvanic effects where relevant. |
| C17200 | Rank conductivity, strength, temperature, wear, corrosion, forming and joining requirements. |
| C18150 | Choose the exact wrought or cast UNS alloy and temper that satisfies the dominant function. |
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Property framework
Electrical and thermal conductivity trade against alloy strengthening and softening resistance.
Corrosion behavior depends on alloy, water chemistry, flow, deposits, galvanic coupling and fabrication.
Temper and product form strongly affect strength, spring behavior, formability and machinability.
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Common product forms
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Applications
- Electrical distribution, electronics, connectors and heat transfer
- Plumbing, pressure tube, marine and desalination systems
- Springs, bearings, wear parts, architecture and machinery
- Rank conductivity, strength, temperature, wear, corrosion, forming and joining requirements.
- Choose the exact wrought or cast UNS alloy and temper that satisfies the dominant function.
- Check regulations, dezincification, ammonia/SCC, seawater flow and galvanic effects where relevant.
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Standards and designation systems
Copper Development Association UNS records define registered copper-alloy families.
ASTM B-series product specifications define chemistry, temper, dimensions and tests by form.
Pressure, electrical, marine and regulatory codes may add application acceptance.
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Procurement checklist
- Use the five-digit UNS designation plus wrought/cast product specification, temper and dimensions.
- Specify conductivity, hardness, grain size, mechanical properties, surface and cleanliness where functional.
- State joining, plating, potable-water, pressure, marine or regulatory requirements and certificate traceability.
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Sources and editorial review
Copper Development Association · UNS wrought and cast alloy records, accessed 2026
Copper Development Association · API 2.0.1
Copper Development Association · Technical portal, accessed 2026