Electrical engineering and energy

In the electrical industry, a very wide range of copper materials is used – pure copper as well as a variety of its alloys – in accordance with the diverse requirements. First and foremost, copper in unalloyed form is processed into cables, conductor ropes, wires, rails, strips and other electrical engineering components. 

The reason for its use is a combination of outstanding properties, mainly the very good conductivity for electrical current and heat, usually sufficient strength, good machinability and good corrosion resistance. If, in addition to conductivity, there are also special requirements for mechanical strength or wear resistance, the properties of copper in this respect can be considerably increased by alloying elements. Unfortunately, the conductivities of alloys are always much lower than those of pure metals. Therefore, a variety of low-alloyed copper materials are offered as optimal compromises. On average, between 50 % and 65 % of the total copper production goes into electrical engineering as conductor materials each year.

Next to silver, copper is the metal with the lowest electrical resistance.

Applications

Renewable energy

Copper materials are indispensable for new energies and help to improve the climate.

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Applications

Energy efficiency

How copper improves energy efficiency: High conductivities bring benefits for product and system level

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Applications

Electromobility

Energy-efficient copper materials are an important component of electromobility.

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Applications

Power grids

Only metals are suitable for technical applications as conductors of electricity. Copper is the best electrical conductor after silver.

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Applications

Electrical conductor materials

Electric current is used for two quite different applications: For the transmission of messages and for the transmission of energy. In both cases, electrical conductors are necessary, but their properties and appearances differ considerably.

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Applications

Data transmission

Copper guarantees secure data transmission

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