How much do you know about the classification of copper alloys?

Copper alloys are primarily based on pure copper, with several other elements added during the manufacturing process to form an alloy. Due to their high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good heat resistance, copper alloys are widely used in various fields. During home renovation, a multitude of materials are required, among which copper alloys play a significant role.

Copper alloy refers to an alloy formed by adding one or several other elements to pure copper. The classification of copper alloys is relatively straightforward. Copper alloys come in a variety of colors, with different types exhibiting distinct hues, primarily including purple, yellow, and cyan. Upon oxidation, copper alloys can also change color. Let's discuss the die-casting process of copper alloys. Copper alloys with different compositions, formed by adding one or several other elements, are you familiar with them? For instance, silicon brass exhibits good casting properties, characterized by a sequential solidification process, a gated feeding system, and small blind risers. Additionally, bronze and aluminum brass demonstrate good fluidity in casting, tend to form concentrated shrinkage cavities, and are highly susceptible to oxidation. Now, let's delve into the classification of copper alloys.

Here's an overview of copper alloy classifications:

From left to right, top to bottom: Brass, Bronze, Cupronickel, Copper (Purple Copper).

: Refers to alloys based on copper and zinc, further divided into simple brass and complex brass. Complex brass is named after the third element added, such as nickel brass and silicon brass.

: Refers to copper-based alloys excluding copper-nickel and copper-zinc alloys, with major varieties including tin bronze, aluminum bronze, and special bronzes (also known as high-copper alloys).

: Refers to copper-nickel alloys.

: Refers to pure copper, with major varieties including oxygen-free copper, purple copper, phosphorus-deoxidized copper, and silver copper.

Classification of Copper Alloys by Alloy System:

: Includes high-purity copper, tough copper, deoxidized copper, and oxygen-free copper. Unalloyed copper is commonly referred to as purple copper or pure copper, also known as red copper.

: Other copper alloys fall under this category. China and Russia classify alloyed copper into brass, bronze, and cupronickel, further dividing them into smaller alloy systems within each major category.

Classification of Copper Alloys by Function:

: Primarily include unalloyed copper and micro-alloyed copper.

: Encompass almost all copper alloys.

: Mainly include tin brass, aluminum brass, various cupronickels, aluminum bronze, and titanium bronze.

: Primarily include complex brasses containing lead, tin, aluminum, manganese, and aluminum bronze.

: Include copper-lead, copper-tellurium, and copper-antimony alloys.

: Such as high-manganese copper alloys.

: Include pure copper, simple copper, tin bronze, aluminum bronze, and cupronickel.

Classification of Copper Alloys by Material Formation Method:

: Can be used for both casting and deformation processing.

: Can be used for casting.

: Further divided into cast purple copper, brass, bronze, and cupronickel.

Now, let's discuss the classification of copper alloy processed materials, which include eight major categories: plates, strips, foils, bars, tubes, rods, wires, and profiles. Generally, strips with a thickness less than 0.1 mm are referred to as foils (the Chinese customs classify materials with a thickness less than 0.15 mm as foils). Rods and wires are distinguished by their supply form, with rolled coils having a diameter less than 5 mm typically called wires, and straight bars supplied as small rods.