EC / ETP Copper

EC (Electrolytic Copper) and ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper) are high-purity copper types known for their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as good corrosion resistance. They are widely used in electrical and electronic applications.

Composition:

Copper (Cu): 99.90% minimum
Oxygen (O): 0.02-0.04%

Grades

ASTM B 68 C 12200:

ASTM B68: Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube, Bright Annealed.
C12200: Designation for ETP Copper in this standard.

ASTM B 75 DLP C 12000:

ASTM B75: Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube.
C12000: Designation for Deoxidized Low Phosphorus Copper (often similar in applications).

BS 2871 Part 2 C 101:

British Standard for copper tubes.
C 101: Designation for ETP Copper in this standard.

BS 2871 Part 3 C 106:

British Standard for copper tubes used in general engineering applications.
C 106: Designation for ETP Copper in this standard.

EN 12451 DHP - CW 004A:

European standard for copper and copper alloys – Seamless, round tubes for heat exchangers.
CW 004A: European designation for ETP Copper.

JIS H 3300 C 1220:

Japanese Industrial Standard for copper and copper alloy seamless tubes.
C 1220: Japanese designation for ETP Copper.

Properties:

Corrosion Resistance:
- Good resistance to corrosion in a variety of environments, including atmospheric, freshwater, and some acidic conditions.
- Susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement in reducing environments.
Mechanical Properties:
- Tensile Strength: Typically around 220-300 MPa.
- Yield Strength: Approximately 70-100 MPa.
- Elongation: Generally around 30-40%, providing good ductility.
- Hardness: Moderate hardness, with a typical Brinell hardness number (HB) of around 45-80.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity:
- Extremely high electrical conductivity, around 100% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard).
- Excellent thermal conductivity, making it ideal for heat dissipation applications.

Applications:

Electrical Industry:
Extensively used in electrical wiring, cables, and busbars due to its high electrical conductivity.
Employed in motor windings, transformers, and connectors.
Electronics: Used in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other electronic components where high conductivity is essential.
Plumbing and Heating: Utilized in plumbing systems and heat exchangers due to its corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity.
Industrial Applications: Employed in various industrial equipment and components requiring high conductivity and corrosion resistance.