Copper flat wire has numerous uses.
For example, the applications of this wire include but not limited to, high speed stamping and multi-slide forming, windings in transformers, and other electrical components.
In fact the principal applications of copper flat wire are armatures for motors and high speed stamping.
These wires are made to exacting specifications, typically to ASTM specs. For example, ASTM B-272 establishes the requirements for copper products, including copper flat wire and strip.
Copper has established itself as a core material for most electrical wiring because it is an excellent electrical conductor.
While we are aware of copper’s electrical conductivity properties, this element’s other striking features must not be ignored.
Here are a few of them.
Corrosion Resistance
This element is low in reactivity series, which means, it does not corrode easily. This property lends itself well for applications such as for pipes, cables and radiators.
Tough
Copper and copper alloys are unusually tough. It is for this reason copper is preferred for manufacturing certain types of tools and weapons.
Ductile
Copper is ductile. Good ductility allows a metal to be easily shaped into various sizes.
Alloys easily
Copper combines well with other metals particularly brass and bronze. Although copper has very good electrical conductivity, it needs to be hardened and strengthened for many applications.
For this reasoned it is alloyed with other metals to enhance its physical and chemical properties.
Coefficient of thermal expansion
Most metals tend to expand upon heating, and contract while cooling. This property is not desirable in electrical systems. Copper has low coefficient of thermal expansion, making it ideal for many applications.
But by far, copper has found extensive uses in wiring.
The inherent strength, hardness and flexibility of copper wire allow it to be installed without any special tools or tackles.
Copper is now a gold standard for different types of wiring applications, both industrial and residential.
One construction engineer was right on mark when he said, “As long as we need generators, motors and electric lights, copper will continue to rule”.
While come of the physical and chemical properties of copper have been enumerated above, here are a few workability reasons why copper is preferred over other metals.
Ideal at terminals
Constant expansion and contraction under load and no load conditions cause many materials to undergo what is known as “creep”. Creep causes loosening at terminal points. Copper, luckily does not suffer from this drawback.
Does not need special surface preparation
Copper does not need special anti-oxidant pastes on connections and splices. This is an important advantage, especially for electrical contractors.
It is easily workable
Copper strips and bends easily without breaking, an important feature while pulling wire through conduits and other difficult spaces.
It withstands overloads
It is not desirable for wiring systems to experience current or load surges. Copper withstands current surges, and does not loosen joints either.
With the renewed upsurge in industrial production, India is likely to see rise in manufacture of copper products, including copper flat wire.
Rajasthan Electric Industries, under the brand name “BRITEX” manufactures a wide array of products to include copper wire, copper flat wire, stranded copper wire, PVC wire, and Silver Plated Copper Wire, to name a few.