What Is C10200 Copper (OFHC)?

C10200 copper, also known as oxygen-free high conductivity copper (OFHC), is a premium-grade material known for its exceptional purity, stability, and conductivity. Containing a minimum of 99.95% copper and less than 0.001% oxygen, it delivers nearly perfect electrical and thermal performance while resisting oxidation and hydrogen embrittlement.

Thanks to its purity and consistency, C10200 copper is widely used in industries such as electronics, aerospace, vacuum systems, cryogenics, and medical technology. It provides engineers and manufacturers with dependable performance under the most demanding conditions, where precision and reliability are non-negotiable.

Chemical Composition of C10200 Copper

C10200 copper is refined under tightly controlled conditions to ensure minimal oxygen and impurity levels. It typically contains 99.95% copper and no more than 0.001% oxygen, offering an electrical conductivity of around 101% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard).

The material meets ASTM B170 and UNS C10200 standards, guaranteeing consistent quality and high performance. Its exceptional purity makes OFHC copper a trusted choice for applications where even microscopic impurities can affect system performance.

Key Properties of C10200 Copper

C10200 oxygen-free copper offers a blend of electrical, thermal, and mechanical benefits:

• ⚡ High Electrical Conductivity: Up to 101% IACS for efficient energy transfer and signal integrity.
• 🌡️ Superior Thermal Conductivity: Excellent heat dissipation for cooling and temperature-sensitive systems.
• 🧱 Low Oxygen and High Purity: Prevents oxidation and hydrogen embrittlement at elevated temperatures.
• 🛠️ Excellent Workability: Easy to machine, weld, or form without compromising strength.
• 🔩 Corrosion Resistance: Maintains long-term stability in harsh or controlled environments.

These characteristics make C10200 copper one of the most reliable and versatile metals for advanced engineering applications.

How C10200 Copper Is Produced

Producing oxygen-free high conductivity copper requires precision at every step:

Electrolytic Refining

Impurities are removed through electrolysis, creating copper cathodes with ultra-high purity.

Controlled Melting and Casting

The refined copper is melted in a protective atmosphere to eliminate oxygen absorption and ensure consistency.

Hot Work and Annealing

The metal is shaped into rods, bars, or plates and then annealed to optimize mechanical strength and conductivity.

This process ensures that C10200 copper meets rigorous performance standards for advanced manufacturing.

Main Applications of C10200 Copper

Due to its purity and conductivity, C10200 copper is used across a variety of precision industries:

• 1. Electrical and electronic components such as terminals, connectors, and conductors
• 2. Aerospace and defense systems requiring heat management and reliability
• 3. Vacuum and cryogenic systems operating in extreme conditions
• 4. Medical and laboratory equipment where contamination control is vital
• 5. Semiconductor fabrication and instrumentation requiring stable conductivity

In each field, OFHC copper ensures consistent performance and long-term durability.

C10200 vs C10100: Key Differences

Both C10100 (oxygen-free copper) and C10200 (OFHC copper) belong to the high-purity, low-oxygen family, but they differ slightly in composition and cost:

Property	C10100 (OFC)	C10200 (OFHC)
Copper Purity	99.99%	99.95%
Oxygen Content	<0.0005%	<0.001%
Electrical Conductivity	101% IACS	101% IACS
Cost	Slightly higher	More cost-effective
Common Uses	Audio, aerospace, electronics	Electronics, vacuum, industrial systems

In essence, C10100 provides marginally higher purity, while C10200 offers nearly identical performance at a lower cost — ideal for industrial and electronic applications where value and consistency are key.

Advantages and Limitations of C10200 Copper

Advantages

• Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
• Highly machinable and formable
• Reliable in vacuum and cryogenic environments
• Resistant to oxidation and hydrogen embrittlement

Limitations

• Slightly lower purity than C10100, though performance differences are minimal
• Requires careful handling during high-temperature processing

Overall, C10200 copper delivers an excellent balance between performance, reliability, and cost efficiency.

Sustainability and Recyclability of OFHC Copper

C10200 copper is 100% recyclable and retains its physical and electrical properties after reuse. Recycling OFHC copper supports sustainable manufacturing by reducing waste, lowering environmental impact, and conserving natural resources — all while maintaining high-performance standards.

Conclusion: Why Choose C10200 Copper

C10200 oxygen-free high conductivity copper is one of the most dependable materials available for modern electrical, aerospace, and industrial systems. With unmatched purity, excellent conductivity, and proven durability, it ensures precision and performance in every application.

For engineers and manufacturers seeking a balance of reliability, quality, and value, C10200 copper remains a top-tier choice for today’s high-performance designs.