Copper alloys for industrial hardware

Copper and its alloys are widely used because of their excellent electrical and thermal conductivities, outstanding resistance to corrosion, and ease of fabrication. Lifecycle costs are another important reason for new and expanding applications for copper and copper alloys. For example, lifecycle cost analyses favor the use of copper-nickel for automotive brake tubes, and copper alloys in molds for plastic parts. However, copper also competes very well on a first-cost basis in the brazed copper-and-brass radiator, and in free-cutting brass machined components. This article highlights four specific applications in which advanced copper alloys and fabrication techniques enhance the performance of industrial hardware, based largely on conductivity, corrosion resistance, and lifecycle costs.