Copper Nickel Alloy (Cu-Ni)
High corrosion resistant copper nickel alloy materials for marine, heat exchanger and industrial applications.
Standard Products
Oxygen Free Copper
Equivalent designations per JIS and CDA/ASTM standards, including Mitsubishi OFC grades.
| Standard System | Grade / Designation | Common Name |
|---|---|---|
| JIS | C1011, C1020, C1100, C1220 | Oxygen-Free / Tough Pitch / Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper |
| CDA / ASTM | C10100, C10200, C11000, C12200 | Oxygen-Free / Tough Pitch / Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper |
Manufacturer Note: "MOFC" denotes Oxygen-Free Copper produced by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (e.g., MOFC-10100 corresponds to C10100 / C1011).
Applications of Oxygen Free Copper
Oxygen free copper is mainly used in high-performance applications where maximum electrical conductivity, excellent purity, corrosion resistance and long service life are required. Due to its extremely low oxygen content and minimal impurities, C10100 oxygen free copper provides superior electrical and thermal performance compared with conventional copper materials.
By removing almost all metallic impurities and oxygen during production, oxygen free copper maintains a highly uniform copper structure with fewer interruptions to electron flow. This results in lower electrical resistance, reduced heat generation during current transmission and improved long-term reliability.
| Application Field | Why Oxygen Free Copper is Selected | Typical Products |
|---|---|---|
| High-end Audio and Visual Equipment | Excellent electrical conductivity and signal transmission stability. Used where extremely low signal loss and high sound quality are required. | Oxygen free copper wire, cable conductor, precision connectors |
| Large Industrial Transformers | Higher conductivity allows smaller conductor diameter, reducing copper consumption and equipment size while improving energy efficiency. | Transformer winding, electrical conductors, bus bars |
| Long Life Electrical Systems | Excellent oxidation resistance and stable electrical properties provide extended service life for difficult-to-replace installations. | Power equipment, electrical connections, precision components |
| High Vacuum Equipment | Extremely low impurity level and low outgassing characteristics prevent contamination in vacuum environments. | Vacuum chambers, semiconductor equipment, scientific instruments |
| Particle Accelerators and Scientific Equipment | High purity and excellent conductivity meet the strict requirements of advanced scientific facilities. | Accelerator components, electromagnetic systems |
Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) is a high-purity copper material manufactured with extremely low oxygen content. It provides excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, ductility and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for high-performance electrical, vacuum and semiconductor applications.
The most common oxygen free copper grades are C10100 (OFE copper) and C10200 (OF copper) according to ASTM standards. C10100 provides the highest purity with copper content above 99.99%, while C10200 offers excellent conductivity with copper content above 99.95%.
C10100 oxygen free copper has higher purity and lower oxygen content than C10200, making it preferred for ultra-high purity applications such as semiconductor equipment, vacuum systems and scientific instruments. C10200 is widely used for general high conductivity electrical applications.
Oxygen free copper is used in specialized applications requiring high conductivity, purity and reliability, including high-end audio cables, industrial transformers, semiconductor equipment, vacuum chambers, particle accelerators, electrical connectors and precision electronic components.
Oxygen content affects copper performance because oxygen can create impurities and reduce conductivity. Oxygen free copper minimizes oxygen levels, improving electrical performance, reducing oxidation and preventing hydrogen embrittlement during high-temperature processing.
Oxygen free copper typically provides electrical conductivity of approximately 100% IACS or higher. C10100 copper can reach around 101-102% IACS, making it one of the most conductive engineering metals available.
Oxygen free copper offers high purity, low outgassing characteristics and excellent thermal conductivity. These properties make it suitable for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, vacuum chambers, cooling components and precision electronic systems.
Yes. Oxygen free copper is widely used in high vacuum applications because of its extremely low impurity level and low gas release performance. It helps prevent contamination in vacuum systems, scientific equipment and semiconductor processing tools.
Oxygen free copper can be supplied in various forms including copper tubes, plates, sheets, rods, bars, wires and customized machined components according to customer requirements.
Both materials contain high copper content, but oxygen free copper has much lower oxygen and impurity levels. This provides better conductivity stability, improved vacuum performance and higher reliability compared with standard pure copper.
Oxygen free copper provides excellent corrosion resistance because of its high purity and reduced impurities. It performs well in electrical, vacuum and industrial environments where long-term stability is required.
Yes. Oxygen free copper has excellent welding and brazing characteristics. Its low oxygen content reduces the risk of embrittlement during joining processes, making it suitable for precision fabrication.
Oxygen free copper is commonly supplied according to ASTM, EN and JIS standards. Typical grades include ASTM C10100 and C10200, with material certificates available according to customer requirements.
Oxygen free copper is widely used in semiconductor, electronics, electrical power, renewable energy, aerospace, scientific research, vacuum technology and industrial heat transfer industries.
The higher electrical conductivity of oxygen free copper allows transformers to achieve efficient current transmission with reduced resistance losses. In some designs, it can also reduce conductor size and overall equipment dimensions.
Oxygen free copper has a melting point of approximately 1083°C and can operate continuously at elevated temperatures depending on design conditions, atmosphere and application requirements.
Yes. Customized oxygen free copper products including tubes, plates, rods, wires and precision-machined components can be supplied according to drawings, dimensions, surface requirements and application conditions.
Oxygen free copper products are professionally packaged with moisture protection, surface protection and suitable export packing methods. Vacuum packaging and special protection can be provided for semiconductor and high-purity applications.
To provide an accurate quotation, please specify copper grade (C10100 or C10200), product type, dimensions, quantity, surface requirements, application conditions and required delivery schedule.
How is Oxygen-Free Copper Made?
C101 / CW008A is produced under strictly controlled inert or vacuum conditions to minimize oxygen content.
Manufacturing Process
The production of C101 Oxygen-Free Copper follows the same upstream refining as standard high-purity copper, with one critical difference: the final refining and casting stage.
- Standard ETP Copper: Refined in air; residual oxygen remains within acceptable limits.
- OFC (C101): Final refining, melting, and casting are performed in a strictly oxygen-free environment.
This is typically achieved using:
- Vacuum induction melting
- Controlled inert atmosphere (Argon)
Cost & Selection Logic
Because the entire final refining and casting process must be conducted under tightly controlled atmospheric conditions, C101 OFC is the most expensive commercially available copper grade.
It is specified only when ultra-low oxygen content is mandatory, such as:
- Semiconductor and high-vacuum components
- Superconducting and cryogenic applications
- High-fidelity audio and precision electronics
Engineering Note: For most electrical and thermal applications, C11000 (ETP Copper) offers nearly identical conductivity at a significantly lower cost. Specify C101 OFC only when hydrogen embrittlement or extreme purity is a design concern.
Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)
High-purity copper with ultra-low oxygen content and no deoxidant residues. Specified for critical electrical, electronic, and cryogenic applications.
Definition & Purity Limits
Oxygen-Free Copper is defined as copper containing no oxygen and no residual deoxidizing agents. In practice, trace amounts of oxygen and impurities are controlled within strict limits:
- Oxygen (O): ≤ 0.003 %
- Total Impurities: ≤ 0.05 %
- Copper Purity: ≥ 99.95 %
OFC Grade Classification
| Grade | Cu Purity (≥ %) | Oxygen O (≤ %) | Total Impurities (≤ %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 OFC | 99.97 | 0.003 | 0.03 |
| Grade 2 OFC | 99.95 | 0.003 | 0.05 |
Key Properties
- No hydrogen embrittlement — suitable for reducing atmospheres and welding.
- Excellent electrical conductivity and thermal transfer.
- Superior workability — bending, forming, and machining.
- Good corrosion resistance and low-temperature performance.
Note: Oxygen limits vary slightly between national standards (GB, ASTM, JIS, DIN). Always verify compliance against the applicable purchasing specification.
Ultra-High Purity & Specialty Grades
Beyond standard OFC, ultra-high purity grades are specified for high-end audio, vacuum electronics, and precision signal transmission:
- Standard OFC: 99.995 % Cu — used in audio cables, vacuum tubes, and general electronics.
- LC-OFC (Linear Crystal OFC): ≥ 99.995 % Cu with optimized grain structure for signal integrity.
- OCC (Single Crystal OFC): ≥ 99.996 % Cu, produced via Ohno Continuous Casting.
- UP-OCC (Ultra Pure OCC): Single-crystal structure with no grain boundaries, offering minimal electrical impedance and superior signal transmission.
Engineering Note: For most electrical applications, C11000 (ETP Copper) provides nearly identical conductivity at a lower cost. Specify OFC or UP-OCC only when hydrogen embrittlement resistance, ultra-high purity, or extreme signal fidelity is mandatory.
A range of Oxygen Free Copper Shapes
Sunny Steel supplies Oxygen Free Copper materials in various forms to meet different industrial manufacturing requirements.
Oxygen Free Copper Tube
Oxygen Free Copper Rod
Oxygen Free Copper Plate
Oxygen Free Copper Coil
Oxygen Free Copper Foil
Oxygen Free Copper Sheet
Oxygen Free Copper Bar
Oxygen Free Copper Components
Oxygen Free Copper Wire
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