Copper is a highly conductive engineering metal used for CNC machined parts that need efficient power transmission, precise signal integrity or reliable thermal management. Its combination of excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, good corrosion resistance and ductility makes it a go‑to material for busbars, connectors, heat spreaders and other performance‑critical components. On this page you will find indicative material property data for our standard copper grades used in CNC milling, turning and EDM. This page focuses on copper as a material for CNC machining and does not cover detailed process capabilities or surface finishes, which you can find on our Copper CNC Machining Services page.
Available Copper Alloys for CNC Machining
We support a focused set of copper grades that balance conductivity, strength and machinability for CNC machining applications.
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) (HBW) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper C101 | 8.9 - 8.94 | 70 - 250 | 220 - 340 | 15 - 50 | 60 - 90 | 90 - 120 |
| Copper C110 | 8.88 - 8.94 | 70 - 250 | 210 - 380 | 10 - 50 | 40 - 110 | 50 - 80 |
- Copper C101 – Oxygen‑free copper with very high conductivity and ductility, often specified for high‑vacuum, RF and high‑reliability electrical components
- Copper C110 – Electrolytic tough pitch copper used as the general‑purpose choice for electrical conductors, busbars, terminals and power distribution parts
Key Material Properties of Copper
Copper’s material behaviour drives how it is used in CNC‑machined parts. The points below focus on intrinsic properties rather than machining process details.
- Electrical conductivity – Commercially pure copper grades such as C101 and C110 offer conductivity close to 100% IACS, making them ideal for current‑carrying and signal‑critical components
- Thermal conductivity – Copper transfers heat very efficiently, which is why it is widely used in heat exchangers, cooling plates and thermal shunts
- Corrosion behaviour – Copper forms a stable surface layer or patina over time and provides good resistance in many indoor and outdoor environments
- Mechanical characteristics – It is relatively soft and ductile compared to steels and brasses, allowing forming of complex features but requiring attention to deflection in highly loaded parts
- Machinability tendency – Pure copper can behave as a “gummy” material in cutting operations, so tool selection and parameters are important at the manufacturing stage
Selecting a Copper Grade for Your Application
Choosing between available copper grades typically comes down to conductivity, purity and fabrication requirements.
- Copper C101 – High‑purity and high‑vacuum applications including RF waveguides, vacuum components, magnetrons and sensitive electrical connectors where low oxygen content helps prevent embrittlement during welding and brazing.
- Copper C110 – General electrical power distribution parts such as busbars, lugs, terminals, grounding components and wiring accessories where maximum conductivity and good formability are needed at an efficient cost.
If you are unsure which copper grade is appropriate for your part, our engineering team can review your design requirements and advise on suitable alloys during quoting.
Copper in Relation to Other CNC Metals
For many projects, copper is evaluated alongside other common CNC metals such as aluminum, brass and stainless steel. The table below highlights typical qualitative differences at the material level.
| Property | Copper | Aluminum | Brass | Stainless steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical conductivity | Very high – near 100% IACS for pure grades | High – commonly used in power electronics | Medium – suitable for many low‑power connectors | Low – usually not chosen for conductivity‑critical paths |
| Thermal conductivity | Very high – effective for heat spreaders and cooling plates | High – widely used for heat sinks | Medium – adequate for general components | Low – better for structural roles than heat transfer |
| Corrosion behaviour | Good – forms protective patina in many environments | Very good – especially for suitable alloys | Very good – often used in plumbing hardware | Excellent – strong resistance in aggressive environments |
| Relative machinability | Soft and ductile, can be gummy in cutting | Easy to machine with good chip control | Very machinable free‑cutting behaviour | Harder to machine, higher tool loads |
Typical CNC‑Machined Copper Parts
Copper is used for a wide variety of machined components where conductivity and thermal performance matter.
- Power distribution busbars, lugs and terminal blocks
- Electrical connectors, contacts and grounding components
- RF and microwave hardware such as waveguides and resonant cavities
- Heat spreaders, cooling plates and thermal shunts in electrical and electronic systems
- Components in industrial, automotive, energy and medical equipment where stable electrical performance is essential
Related Copper Resources
For more detail on manufacturing options, finishes and industry applications for copper parts, see:
- Copper CNC Machining Services – capabilities, surface finishes, design guidelines and industry‑specific examples.
- CNC Machining Services – full overview of our CNC milling, turning and EDM capabilities across all materials.
You can upload your CAD file at any time to receive an online quote with material recommendations for your copper CNC parts.