sales@precisiongroundbars.com
Copper is rarely the default choice. When an engineer or buyer calls us about copper bar stock, there’s usually a specific reason. Maybe the part goes into electrical equipment, has to move heat, or needs corrosion resistance. At Precision Ground Bar, we’ve supplied bar stock to manufacturers since 1970, and copper and copper alloys are part of what we carry. Here’s how we help customers sort through the options before they place an order.
Matching Copper Bar Stock to the Job Your Component Has to Do
The right copper bar starts with the job the part has to do and the alloy your drawing calls for. Corrosion exposure and the fabrication steps your part will go through also shape the decision.
What copper brings to the table
Copper bar stock is valued for its physical and mechanical properties. Copper alloys offer excellent toughness and ductility at high temperatures, high thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance in a range of environments. Copper is also an excellent engineering material, especially for bearing applications.
For a buyer, the first question is simple. Which of those properties does your part actually depend on? A heat transfer component and a bearing surface may both call for copper, but for different reasons. Knowing the reason up front keeps the grade discussion focused.
Where copper bar stock ends up
Copper is used in power and telephone cables, electric motors, electrical conductors and cable insulation, and electrical connectors. It’s also used for copper piping and fittings. If you build electric motors or connectors, you’re working with some of copper’s core uses.
For mechanical components, copper’s thermal conductivity, toughness, and corrosion resistance may be the stronger reasons to choose it.
Fabrication traits that affect your production plan
Some of copper’s advantages show up on the shop floor. It draws easily into wire with simple machinery and can be cut with hand tools. Soldering is easier than with other copper types, and the bar has more uniform thickness and density. If your process includes soldered joints, mention it in your quote request.
Copper grades we carry
Precision Ground Bars supplies Copper Alloy 110 and 145 Tellurium Copper. Grade selection depends on your drawing and your application. Send us the grade your engineering team has specified, and we’ll work from that.
When brass or bronze makes more sense
Copper alloys extend your options. Brass is a copper alloy with zinc as its main addition. We carry 360 Brass, and our brass bar stock offers good corrosion resistance. Brass round stock is widely used in electrical equipment, plumbing, central heating, seawater lines, and desalination, and it comes in different grades to suit specific needs.
On the bronze side, we carry 642 Aluminum Bronze. Comparing your required grade against your service conditions will tell you whether copper, brass, or bronze belongs on your sourcing list.
What electronics manufacturers should keep in mind
Electronic components and electrical devices usually need a combination of properties rather than just one. These include corrosion and oxidation resistance, high strength at both low and high temperatures, toughness, workability, controlled thermal expansion, and good spring properties.
Our material range includes stainless steel, nickel alloys, and copper alloys used in industrial and electronic component applications. Share your required grade and product form when requesting a quote.
Cutting and packaging copper bar
Copper alloys are part of the materials we process and supply. We cut bar stock to your exact length specifications and chamfer bar ends for smoother indexing. Our custom packaging helps protect metal products during transport, so if your parts can’t tolerate surface damage, mention it when you request a quote.
What to send with a copper quote request
A clear request tells us exactly what material and processing your order needs. Include the alloy or grade, the diameter, the length, the quantity, and any cutting or end preparation. Put those specifications in the quote information field of our Submit a Quote form.
Talk with us about your copper part
If you’re deciding between Copper 110, a tellurium copper, or a brass or bronze alternative, call us with the drawing in hand. We’ll go through what the part needs to do and which of our copper bar stock options fits. We’re in Palos Hills, Illinois, and our team is available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Submit your requirements through our Submit a Quote form, or call (800) 818-0822 toll free or (708) 880-7277 locally.
FAQs
Which copper and copper alloy grades do you carry?
Copper Alloy 110, 145 Tellurium Copper, 360 Brass, and 642 Aluminum Bronze.
What is copper bar stock commonly used for?
Copper is used in power and telephone cables, electric motors, electrical conductors, connectors, piping, and fittings. Copper is also an excellent engineering material for bearing applications.
What’s the difference between copper and brass bar stock?
Copper is the base metal, while brass is a copper alloy with zinc as its main addition. Our brass bar stock offers good corrosion resistance and is used in electrical equipment, plumbing, central heating, seawater lines, and desalination.
Can you cut copper bars to length?
Yes. We cut bar stock to your exact length specifications. Include your copper grade, diameter, and required length in the quote request.
