Our clients take great pains to ensure that the design of their products is efficient and that their performance is optimal. At Fushi Copperweld, we have a range of bimetallic options that outperform pure copper and present a competitive value option. Our engineers work in concert with our clients to examine requirements and determine which bimetallic solution will best suit the needs of their products.
Bimetallics are often a better solution simply because of the basic physical limitations of single metals alone. Copper, for example, is a soft metal, and quite malleable, but relatively heavy, particularly compared to aluminum. Aluminum, which is lighter and more flexible, is not as conductive, and prone to surface oxidation, and overheating in the connectors. Its higher resistance means greater loss of current, and it requires special connectors to prevent dangerous arcing.
However, when a thin layer of copper— just 10% by volume of the entire wire— is clad to an aluminum core, the bimetallic component (copper-clad aluminum, or CCA) becomes a single wire that is incredibly light, oxidation-resistant for less loss, and offers 63% of the conductivity of pure copper. To get the same length at equal conductivity, pure copper wire would weigh 40% more. For high-frequency applications, the transmission capacity is the same as that of pure copper due to the skin effect. In power applications, CCA's excellent conductivity-to-weight ratio jumps to the forefront, and the bimetallic conductor offers the connectivity and oxidation resistance of solid copper. For more information on Fushi Copperweld CCA products, click here.
If a combination of strength and conductivity is a key concern, Copperweld® copper-clad steel (CCS) is the answer. Steel is a very strong alloy, but an inefficient electromagnetic conductor when used alone, and quite susceptible to corrosion. However, when a layer of copper is clad to the steel core, conductivity can be boosted to as much as 70% IACS, all the while maintaining the strength and durability of steel. Tensile strength and elongation requirements can be tailored to meet customer requirements.
These properties make bimetallic wire and strand from Fushi Copperweld ideal for many telecommunication, utility, electronic, military, automotive, and general industry applications. Contact our
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for design assistance or more information.