Copper Chrome Zirconium
Superior strength
Pure copper is a soft metal and its use in electrical applications is usually based on its high conductivity rather than mechanical properties. However the production of a high conductivity material which possesses considerable strength at room temperatures and which also retains its strength if subjected to high temperatures, is of great practical importance. A zirconium content of 0.15% can increase the softening temperature by as much as 300°C while having no significant effect on electrical conductivity.
Copper chrome zirconium products include:
Luvata's copper chrome zirconium is often the best choice for applications where a combination of high electrical and thermal conductivity and high strength at higher temperatures is required.
In addition to strength, studies suggest that the lowest electrode costs are obtained with copper chrome zirconium.
Copper chrome zirconium applications include:
- Spot welding electrodes and wheels
- Lead frames
- MIG and MAG welding contact tips
- Components for electrical switches and stressed parts in turbine generators
Luvata's zirconium copper ZRKO 15® is based on our oxygen-free high conductivity copper, Luvata OF-OK®.
Precipitation hardening metals require a very specific manufacturing process to ensure that the final product is of optimum quality. We have refined our manufacturing process to produce end material that has a fine grain size and a good combination of strength, conductivity and softening temperature.
The most notable property of ZRKO 15® is its very high softening temperature, which is around 500°C. The graph shows the softening of ZRKO 15® compared with oxygen-free high conductivity copper and silver-bearing copper with 0.1% Ag.
Depending on the manufacturing process, conductivity varies from 89% to 95% IACS, a typical value being 92% IACS. Hardness can be as high as 150 HV but in most applications a lower hardness is adequate. The hardness and conductivity are relative to each other, so aiming at maximum hardness reduces the conductivity, and vice versa.