Premium C18200 Chrome Zirconium Copper Alloy Bar High Strength High Conductivity

Discover the superior performance of our C18200 Chrome-Zirconium Copper Alloy Bars, engineered for demanding applications where exceptional strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity are paramount. Also known as RWMA Class 2 or CDA18200, this precipitation-hardened copper alloy is a premium solution heat-treated, cold-worked, and aged to deliver an optimal balance of properties.

Manufactured to stringent international standards including ASTM, RWMA, and DIN, our C18200 bars offer remarkable durability and resistance to softening at elevated temperatures. With a minimum electrical conductivity of 80% IACS in the fully hardened condition, it ensures efficient energy transfer while maintaining high mechanical strength. Ideal for critical components in welding, electrical, and high-heat applications, this alloy provides reliability where standard copper falls short. We offer customized sizing, expert technical support, and reliable global delivery from our ISO-certified facility in China.

C18200 Chrome Zirconium Copper is the material of choice for high-performance components across multiple industries:

• Resistance Welding Electrodes & Caps: Ideal for spot and seam welding electrodes, caps, and holders due to its high hardness, conductivity, and resistance to deformation under heat and pressure.

• Electrical & Switching Components: Used in high-current switches, circuit breakers, relay contacts, and bus bars where strength and conductivity are critical.

• Heat Exchangers & Thermal Management: Excellent for electrodes in upset butt welding, flash welding dies, and other applications requiring heat sinking and resistance to thermal fatigue.

• Heavy-Duty Electrical Connectors: Suitable for lugs, connectors, and other parts that must maintain a secure, low-resistance connection under mechanical stress.

• Plasma Cutting Torch Tips & Nozzles: Withstands the intense heat and arc erosion in plasma cutting and arc spraying applications.

• Automation & Robotics: Used in durable tooling and wear parts for automated manufacturing processes.

C18200 is a precipitation-hardening alloy. Its superior properties are achieved through a controlled thermal process:

1. Solution Treatment: The alloy is heated to a high temperature, allowing the chromium to dissolve fully into the copper matrix, creating a supersaturated solid solution.

2. Quenching: Rapid cooling "freezes" this solution, resulting in a soft, workable state.

3. Cold Working (Optional but typical): The material is often cold-drawn or rolled (e.g., 50% reduction) to increase its strength further.

4. Aging (Precipitation Hardening): The material is reheated to a moderate temperature. This causes fine, uniform particles of chromium to precipitate (form) within the copper matrix. These particles dramatically strengthen the alloy by impeding the movement of dislocations within the metal's crystal structure, while having minimal disruptive effect on the copper's innate electrical and thermal conductivity.