Copper is a highly ductile metal that can easily be formed into tubes, pipes, wires, plates, sheets, and more. The metal’s thermal and electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance make it a popular choice for residential applications. Modern conveniences like plumbing, computer wiring, and audio equipment all rely on copper and copper alloys like brass and bronze to function efficiently and reliably. Sequoia Brass & Copper specializes in supplying oxygen-free copper—high-purity copper grades that improve upon the properties of standard copper metals.
Test Your Copper Knowledge
How to play:
- Explore the Room: Look around the room and click on everyday items.
- Find Copper Products: Try to find which items use copper. For example, a phone’s circuit board contains copper.
- Get Feedback:
- Correct! If the item uses copper, you’ll hear a ding and see a pop-up showing where copper is used.
- Try Again! If the item uses brass or bronze, you’ll hear a buzzer sound.
- Keep Searching: Keep clicking until you’ve found all the copper products in the room.
- Have Fun! Test your knowledge and learn about everyday uses of copper!
Brass C26000, C27200: Faucet hardware (usually nickel-plated)
These brass alloys are typically found in faucet hardware and other bathroom and kitchen fixtures. The nickel plating enhances the material’s corrosion resistance to hard water and chemicals while retaining a pristine appearance.
Brass C36000: Water fittings for water supply lines (usually nickel-plated)
Brass C36000 is a free machining brass often used in fittings for water supply lines, due to the material’s long-term mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. It can withstand high pressures and wear, making it ideal for residential and commercial installation.
Copper C12200: Plumbing tubes inside walls
Copper C12200 is almost pure (99.9%) copper and is fit for plumbing tubes in walls, refrigeration, boiler feed lines, and more. This lightweight grade is highly corrosion-resistant, durable, and antimicrobial.
Brass C26000, C46400: Other hardware (door pulls, kick plates, push plates, drain grates, hinges)
Brass C26000 and C46400 are often used for functional hardware, such as hinges, door pulls, push plates, kick plates, and drain grates. Depending on the intended application, these pieces can be made decorative to match the property’s aesthetic.
Copper C10100: Computer and phone circuitry
Computer and phone circuitry is typically constructed from copper C10100, which offers enhanced corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.
Copper C10100: Hi-fidelity audio wiring
Due to its excellent electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion, copper C10100 is a popular choice for high-quality visual/audio systems.
Copper C10100, C11000: Home wiring
Both copper C10100 and C11000 are used in home wiring, providing reliable electrical performance in a diverse range of conditions.
Copper C11000, C12200: Countertops and backsplashes
Copper C11000 and C12200 backsplashes and countertops add warm visual accents to kitchens. They add a metallic luster and are easy to clean.
Copper C11000: Cookware
Copper C11000 is a high-purity grade commonly found in cookware. The material is harder than aluminum but softer than stainless steel. Copper cookware requires regular cleaning to maintain its appearance.
Copper C17200: Spring connectors in RJ45 or RJ11 wall jacks for networking/phones
This beryllium copper grade has greater hardness and strength than standard copper alloys. These properties make C17200 ideal for spring connectors in RJ45 or RJ11 wall jacks, depending on the brand.
Copper C11000, C12200, C26000, C65500: Kitchen hoods
Island, wall-mounted, and under-cabinet kitchen hoods are commonly made of various copper grades. They can feature different finishes, such as embossed, hand-hammered, and fingerprint-resistant.
Bronze C93200, C95400: Bushings in fans, pumps, and grinder gears
These grades of self-lubricating bronze bushings offer reliable performance in pumps, fans, and grinder gears. They feature exceptional tensile strength, ductility, and resistance to wear and fatigue even under overload or shock.
Why Do Copper Prices Change?
