C182 Copper (UNS C18200) – Composition, Properties and Uses
Copper is a versatile and widely-used material in many engineering and construction applications. One of the most popular copper alloys is C182, which has a variety of uses due to its unique physical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. To better understand copper C182, let’s take a closer look at its composition, properties, uses, corrosion resistance, heat treatment requirements, and machining processes.
Copper 182 Composition
UNS C18200 is an alloy composed of copper (C10100-C10200), nickel (Ni201-Ni204), and chromium (Cr201-Cr203). The amount of each element varies depending on the desired application or use. For example, a higher chromium concentration will give the alloy better corrosion resistance. The exact composition of Copper C182 varies by manufacturer.
Element
|
Percentage
|
Cu | 98.6 – 99.4 |
Pb | 0 – 0.1 |
Si | 11 – 13 |
Cr | 0.6 – 1.2 |
Fe | 0 – 0.1 |
Pb | 0 – 0.05 |
Cr | 0.6 – 1.2 |
Si | 11 – 13 |
Cu | 98.6 – 99.4 |
Fe | 0 – 0.1 |
Pb | 0 – 0.1 |
Pb | 0 – 0.05 |
Copper 182 Chemical Properties
UNS C18200 is composed primarily of copper, with 3% aluminum added for increased strength and hardness. It also contains small amounts of nickel and iron and trace amounts of other elements such as silicon and manganese. These additional elements give copper C182 greater corrosion resistance than pure copper.
Copper 182 Mechanical Properties
Its composition largely determines the mechanical properties of Copper C182; however, some general trends can be observed across all varieties of the alloy. Generally speaking, Copper C182 has excellent tensile strength, superior ductility, and malleability; this combination allows it to withstand heavy loads without becoming brittle or fracturing under stress. Additionally, its high creep resistance ensures that components made from this material will remain dimensionally stable even under extreme load over long periods of time. Furthermore, its excellent fatigue strength makes it suitable for use in parts subjected to cyclic loading or stress over extended periods without suffering significant degradation in performance or lifespan due to fatigue failure.
Properties | Metric | Imperial |
---|---|---|
Hardness, Rockwell B (50.8 – 76.2 mm/2.00 – 3.00 in) | 65 | 65 |
Hardness, Rockwell B (25.4 – 50.8 mm/1.00 – 2.00 in) | 70 | 70 |
Hardness, Rockwell B (≤25.4 mm/1.00 in, heat treated) | 75.0 | 75.0 |
Tensile strength at break (any thickness) | 379 MPa | 55000 psi |
Yield strength (0.500, any thickness) | 379 MPa | 55000 psi |
Modulus of elasticity | 117 GPa | 17000 ksi |
Poissons ratio | 0.181 | 0.181 |
Shear modulus | 49.6 GPa | 7200 ksi |
Copper 182 Physical Properties
UNS C18200 has excellent formability and ductility despite high tensile strength (up to 600 MPa). It also has good electrical conductivity (approximately 58% IACS) and can be easily soldered or brazed without needing fluxes or special alloys. Additionally, it has a relatively low thermal expansion coefficient (17×10-6/K), making it suitable for applications requiring temperature stability.
Physical Properties 182
|
|||||
Density | 0.321 lb/in3 | ||||
Ultimate Tensile Strength | 65 ksi | ||||
Yield Tensile Strength | 55 ksi | ||||
Shear Modulus | 7,250 ksi | ||||
Shear Strength | 45.5 ksi | ||||
Hardness Rockwell | Brinell (min.) | B75 | 135 | ||||
Elongation at Break Percentage | 13% | ||||
Reduction of Area | 3% | ||||
Modulus of Elasticity | 18,900 ksi | ||||
Poisson’s Ratio | 0.34 | ||||
Machinability Percentage | 20% | ||||
Melting Point | 1,960-1,970 °F | ||||
Specific Heat | 9.3 x 10^-2 BTU/lb-°F | ||||
Thermal Conductivity | 2280 BTU-in/hr-ft^2-°F | ||||
Electrical Conductivity | 75% IACS |
Copper 182 Uses
Due to its mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance, UNS C18200 is often used in electrical wiring applications where reliable performance is essential. It is also commonly used in electrical connectors where its superior conductivity allows smaller components to be used while still providing reliable service over long periods.
Equivalents
- ASTM F9
- MIL C-19311
Corrosion Resistance
UNS C18200 high corrosion resistance makes it an ideal choice for marine environments where exposure to salt water can cause accelerated corrosion rates in other metals.
Heat Treatment
UNS C18200 does not require any special heat-treating processes but does respond well to cold working, increasing its strength further without sacrificing ductility.
Machining
As far as machining goes, it can be cut by sawing or shearing with standard tools but should only be drilled with high-speed steel drills specifically designed for cutting metals like brass or bronze due to the material’s tendency to work harden when machined with traditional tools such as carbon steel drills. Welding methods are limited since the material cannot be easily fusion welded but can be soldered using standard techniques or brazed using silver solder or flux-coated rods if necessary.
Heat Resistance
UNS C18200 is known for its superior heat resistance and is especially popular in industries that rely on solvents and hot liquids. It maintains its strength even at extremely high temperatures, making it the ideal choice for hot environments. With its ability to resist corrosion, pitting and erosion, there’s no wonder why Copper C182 has become so popular across multiple industries. In addition to its natural properties, Copper C182 can be coated or plated with various materials to enhance its heat-resistance capabilities further. This makes it an ideal choice for any application that requires extraordinary performance in the face of extreme temperatures.
Welding
UNS C18200 welding is an economical and efficient way to join similar or dissimilar metals. Using arc welding, the process provides a strong, watertight joint that can withstand even the harshest conditions. The flux-coated electrode used in the Copper C182 welding process helps to minimize contaminants and create a uniform, aesthetically pleasing weld. Expertly executed Copper C182 welds are stronger than standard copper-to-copper joints, helping to ensure safety and longevity for many years to come.
Conclusion
Copper C182 is an incredibly useful alloy thanks to its combination of mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, ease of forming and machining processes, making it suitable for use in many different industrial applications ranging from wiring harnesses and connectors in electronics manufacturing up to marine components subject to extreme environmental conditions such as salt water exposure. No wonder this particular alloy remains so popular after all these years!
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