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Copper - An Introduction
Copper’s unique combination of beauty and usability, together with it’s excellent corrosion resistance have made it one of our most widely used industrial and architectural metals. The use of Copper is of such importance to our societies that it’s usage is often considered a key indicator of the health of various major economies. Copper’s is indispensable in most of our important industries. It carries most of our electricity and covers some of our most important structures.
COPPER IN ARCHITECTURE : Copper allows the creation of forms that work with the elements to become more beautiful with time. Copper surfaces age gracefully, rather than “corrode” as many other metals do. Copper is easy to work with and very forgiving as a cladding material, which translates into successful outcomes for all parties involved in the building process.
COPPER'S ANTI MICROBIAL PROPERTIES : Copper is also recommended for use in “touch surfaces” for public areas because of it’s extreme anti-microbial properties. This ability is being advanced by the industry as a credible way to help combat “superbug” outbreaks in hospitals. See http://www.antimicrobialcopper.com/ for more info.
COPPER AS A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION : Copper has excellent credentials as a sustainable solution. It offers an incredibly long service life and is 100% recyclable with a high residual value at it’s conclusion. Hardly any commonly used building material carries a higher financial incentive to recycle, which results in waste being avoided in every facet of it’s use. It is estimated that 80% of all of the Copper ever mined is still in use today.
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Benefits of Copper
Incredibly long service life.
Proven corrosion resistance in extreme environments including coastal areas.
Excellent formability and ease of use.
Aesthetically pleasing – Works with the elements to create a natural patina finish.
Versatility – Can be easily formed into complex architectural shapes.
Non Toxic – Water collected from Copper is safe for human consumption.
Fire Safe – Will not melt, burn or release toxic gases in a house fire.
Biostatic – Most bacteria cannot grow on Copper.
100% Fully recyclable. Copper has a recycling rate higher than almost any other industrial metal.
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Available Grades of Copper Flat Rolled Product |
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DHP COPPER (Phosphorous De-Oxidised Non Arsenical Copper)
This grade of Copper is heavily used in the building industry for architectural features, such as roofing, cladding, flashing and rainwater goods. DHP Copper's excellent ductility and formability make it ideal for use in almost all roll-forming applications. It is readily joined by brazing, welding or soldering making it suitable for many industrial applications such as "tank manufacture". The oxygen content of the Copper is removed during the smelting process through the process of Phosphorous De-Oxidation. This enables brazing & welding operations to be employed without Hydrogen embrittlement occurring in the joined area. This process lowers the electrical conductivity of the Copper from 101% IACS to approximately 85% IACS. With such versatility in usage, this grade of Copper has become the "general purpose" option for the New Zealand industry. |
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ETP COPPER (Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper)
ETP Copper is noted for it’s high electrical and thermal conductivity, good corrosion resistance and solderability. In New Zealand it is mainly used in electronics applications where it’s high electrical conductivity of 101% IACS is required.
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