Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Copper was one of the first metals that was ever used by humans, and since its discovery in approximately 8000 B.C. we have found many innovative and useful ways to utilise copper metal.

Copper’s main properties and qualities include great ductility, excellent conductor of electricity and heat; it is also a malleable metal. Due to these characteristics, copper is often used in electrical components such as motors, wiring, machinery heat exchangers and electronic connecters.

Copper is also one of the primary metals used to make cooking utensils and equipment, but the copper that we probably have the most daily contact with - coins.

The density of copper in its purest form is 8.92 gm/cm3.

An easy way to determine if your copper is pure via density is to use the following method:

• Measure the weight of your copper

• Measure the dimensions of your copper to discover the volume (volume = L x W x H)

• Divide the weight of your copper by the volume

• Compare your results with the density of pure copper : 8.92 gm/cm3

If your result isn’t the same as above, this might mean your copper is not pure or that your measurements are not accurate.

Copper is a versatile method with a wide-ranging portfolio of properties that makes it the ideal metal to use in a variety of applications. Some of the most useful properties of copper are:

• Good Electrical Conductivity

• Good Thermal Conductivity

• Corrosion Resistant

• Ductile and Malleable

• Easy to Alloy

• Anti-Bacterial

• Non-Magnetic

Sulphur copper is the addition of sulphur to a standard copper. Pure copper has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as great ductility and corrosion resistance, but the metal has poor machinability.

When sulphur is introduced to copper, the workability of the metal significantly increases, without having to compromise on the favoured and beneficial aforementioned properties.  Pure copper has a machinability rating of 20%, in contrast to sulphur copper that has an 80% machinability rating.

Sulphur copper has machining speeds that are four times faster than pure copper and since the compound produces a much softer metal, it is less detrimental on tooling and machining components.

Sulphur copper is used in applications that require good corrosion resistance, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, but also applications that demand easy forming and extensive machining that pure copper is unable to handle.

Some examples of these applications include:

• Circuit Breakers

• Electrical Connectors

• Socket Connectors

• Laser Nozzles

• Transistor Bases

• Relay Parts

• Electrical Pins

S&D Non-Ferrous is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of free-machining tellurium copper and other non-ferrous metals. To ensure we supply our customers with the highest-grade tellurium copper, we source all of our metals to reliable UK and European manufacturers that we know comply with our high industry standards.

You can find out more information about our range of tellurium copper on our website, or if you have any specific queries, you can speak to our experts on 0121 525 5500.

Copper Chromium Zirconium is a high copper alloy in which chromium and zirconium have been later introduced. Pure copper has outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity properties, but the chromium and zirconium are added to improve a number of mechanical properties and their performance.

Copper Chromium Zirconium is significantly stronger than soft pure copper and its key characteristics frequently see the compound being used in welding equipment, rotating machinery, circuit breakers, switchgear components and electrical conductors, to name a few. 

Copper is a versatile method with a wide-ranging portfolio of properties that makes it the ideal metal to use in a variety of applications including in copper bar form. Some of the most useful properties of copper bar are:

• Good Electrical Conductivity

• Good Thermal Conductivity

• Corrosion Resistant

• Ductile and Malleable

• Easy to Alloy

• Anti-Bacterial

• Non-Magnetic

Copper was one of the first metals that was ever used by humans, and since its discovery in approximately 8000 B.C. has been used in many innovative and useful ways.

Copper’s main properties and qualities include great ductility, excellent conductor of electricity and heat making it ideal for use as copper bar or rod. It is also a malleable metal making it suitable for all sorts of purposes. Due to its conductive characteristics, copper is often used in electrical components with copper rod often used in architectural metalwork, radiators and more.

Copper bar is also one of the primary materials used to make cooking utensils and equipment.

The density of copper in its purest form is 8.92 gm/cm3.

An easy way to determine if your copper bar is pure via density is to use the following method:

• Measure the weight of your copper bar

• Measure the dimensions of your copper rod to discover its volume (volume = L x W x H)

• Divide the weight of your copper bar by the volume

• Compare your results with the density of pure copper which is 8.92 gm/cm3

If your result isn’t the same as above, this might mean your copper bar is not pure or that your measurements are not accurate.

Talk to our team to find out more.

A copper busbar is primarily used as a conductor that collects electricity from the power source and distributes it to various circuits. Copper is an excellent conductor making it ideal for many other electrical applications including:

• Grounding systems - Copper's ability to conduct high currents safely makes copper busbars useful for grounding and earthing systems.
• Electrical substations - In substations, copper busbars help distribute electricity across transformers, generators, and load centres.
• Industrial and commercial applications - Their reliable and efficient energy flow makes them useful for large-scale power distribution in industrial and commercial settings.

Copper busbars offer several key advantages, including:

• Corrosion resistance - Copper busbars resist corrosion better than many other metals, which increases its lifespan.
• Higher conductivity - A copper busbar provides excellent electrical conductivity, ensuring efficient power distribution.
• Hardwearing durability - It is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it durable for long-term use.
• Outstanding thermal performance - Copper busbars handle higher temperatures without losing efficiency.

While using copper busbar has many advantages, there are some disadvantages to consider:

• Heavier weight - Copper is denser and heavier than materials like aluminium, which can make installing and transporting more difficult, especially for larger busbars. The heavier weight may also mean the copper busbar may need structural support.
• Corrosion - Although copper is generally resistant to corrosion, it can still oxidise over time. This can lead to performance issues if the electrical busbars are not properly maintained or protected.
• Thermal expansion - Copper has a higher thermal expansion rate than other materials, which can affect the busbars performance in systems that experience frequent temperature changes.
• Costs and availability - Copper's global demand in other industries (e.g., construction, electronics) can sometimes lead to supply shortages or price fluctuations.

Copper round bars are commonly used in electrical, automotive and plumbing applications due to their excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance. They are also utilised in heat exchangers, motors, and construction projects, as well as in the production of fasteners, connectors, and architectural elements.

Copper bars come in various shapes to suit different applications, including:

• Copper flat bars - Used in electrical switchgear and busbars.
• Copper round bars - Commonly used in electrical and industrial manufacturing.
• Copper square bars - Often used in construction and architectural elements.
• Hexagonal bars - Primarily used in mechanical and machining applications.

Copper rods provide high electrical conductivity, making them ideal for electrical applications. They are corrosion-resistant and durable, which makes them suitable for harsh environments. Copper rods also offer excellent thermal properties, and they are easy to form and fabricate, making them a versatile option.

Copper rods are widely used in electrical wiring, earthing systems, and power generation equipment. They are also utilised in machined parts for electrical connectors, motor parts, and transformers due to their excellent conductivity and malleability.

A copper rod is a cylindrical piece which can be as thin as wire and used for electrical wiring, grounding, and as raw material for electrical components. In contrast, a copper bar is thicker and comes in multiple shapes, such as flat, round, or square, and is used for busbars, switchgears, and other electrical and structural applications. The rod is typically used in finer electrical work, while bars are often for larger power distribution systems.

Phosphor bronze grade PB1 is a cast bronze alloy with high tin content and small amounts of phosphorus and is known by the designation CC481K in European standards. It has excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments, as well as good strength and wear resistance. PB1 is commonly used in applications like marine components, bearings, bushings, and gears, where durability and resistance to wear are critical.

PB102, also known by its European designation CW451K is a wrought phosphor bronze alloy, mostly composed of copper with about 5% tin and a small amount of phosphorus. It is known for its excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and good electrical conductivity. PB102 is commonly used in applications requiring high wear resistance and fatigue strength

PB102 (CW451K) is widely used in applications requiring excellent wear resistance and strength, such as:

• Electrical components
• Bearings and bushings
• Masonry fixings
• Springs
• Valve parts
• Architectural components
• Shafts and gears
• Marine applications
• Aircraft components

S&D Non-Ferrous provides a range of services as copper metal suppliers, including free cutting, custom lengths, and fast turnaround on copper stock orders. We also offer protective poly coating for metal surfaces. These services help us to meet diverse requirements, whether for electrical components, industrial parts, or household products like pots and pans.

S&D Non-Ferrous has nearly 50 years of experience as an independent UK copper supplier. We are committed to quality and reliability and always aim to deliver both standard and hard-to-find metals swiftly, including same-day options. Our ISO 9001 certification highlights our dedication to exceptional service and precise stock management. This helps us to be a reliable partner and ensures dependable, high-quality supplies across various industries.

We stock a comprehensive selection of copper materials, including different grades like CW004A, CW008A, CW024A, and CW009A. Our copper supply is popular for electrical, plumbing, and industrial uses, making S&D a reliable copper material supplier.

Yes, as a leading copper supplier, we offer copper materials in custom lengths to meet specific project requirements. For copper bars, we offer custom cutting from 3mm to 250mm diameter with 1 mm tolerances. We offer plate cutting of copper plates up to 4.5 inches thick with 3 mm tolerances. We can also provide custom guillotining to cut metal sheets with precise specifications.