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Tellurium Copper (CuTe) Sheets, Rods, Bars & Plates
Product Overview
Tellurium Copper (CuTe) is a high-conductivity copper alloy specifically engineered to deliver excellent machinability without significantly compromising electrical and thermal performance. By alloying pure copper with a controlled addition of tellurium, CuTe achieves superior chip formation, reduced tool wear, and cleaner surface finishes compared to conventional ETP copper. R V Metal Corporation supplies Tellurium Copper Sheets, Rods, Bars, and Plates that are precision-manufactured to meet stringent international standards, making them ideal for high-speed machining and close-tolerance components.
Our CuTe products retain over 90% IACS electrical conductivity while offering enhanced hardness and strength, striking a practical balance between performance and manufacturability. These materials are widely used in electrical connectors, switchgear components, welding electrodes, resistance welding parts, and machined electrical hardware where both conductivity and dimensional accuracy are non-negotiable. Available in multiple tempers, sizes, and custom cut lengths, R V Metal Corporation’s Tellurium Copper range is designed to meet the expectations of OEMs, EPC contractors, and precision component manufacturers seeking reliability, consistency, and technical compliance.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification / Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Material Name | Tellurium Copper (CuTe) |
| UNS Designation | C14500 |
| Copper Content (Cu) | ≥ 99.5 % |
| Tellurium Content (Te) | 0.40 – 0.70 % |
| Electrical Conductivity | 90 – 95 % IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | Approx. 330 – 350 W/m·K |
| Density | 8.9 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1083 °C (approx.) |
| Hardness (Typical) |
Soft (O): 60–80 HB Half Hard (H02): 90–110 HB Hard (H04): 110–130 HB |
| Tensile Strength |
Soft (O): 220 – 260 MPa Half Hard (H02): 300 – 350 MPa Hard (H04): 360 – 420 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 150 – 350 MPa (temper dependent) |
| Elongation | 10 – 35 % (depending on temper) |
| Machinability | Excellent (Rated ~85–90% vs Free-Cutting Brass) |
| Formability | Good in soft temper, limited in hard tempers |
| Weldability | Excellent for resistance and TIG welding |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent in atmospheric and industrial environments |
| Available Product Forms | Sheets, Plates, Rods, Bars, Flats (Custom Forms on Request) |
| Available Tempers | O (Annealed), H02 (Half Hard), H04 (Hard) |
| Standard Lengths / Sizes | As per ASTM / EN standards or customer-specific requirement |
| Typical Standards | ASTM B301 / B187, EN 12163 / EN 12165, DIN, IS (Equivalent) |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Chemical Symbol | Composition (% by Weight) |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Cu | ≥ 99.50 |
| Tellurium | Te | 0.40 – 0.70 |
| Oxygen | O | ≤ 0.04 |
| Iron | Fe | ≤ 0.05 |
| Lead | Pb | ≤ 0.03 |
| Zinc | Zn | ≤ 0.05 |
| Nickel | Ni | ≤ 0.10 |
| Other Elements (Total) | — | ≤ 0.10 |
UNS Codes & Grades
| UNS Code | Common Grade / Designation | Standard Name | Typical Tellurium Content (%) | Product Forms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C14500 | Tellurium Copper | CuTe / Free-Machining Copper | 0.40 – 0.70 | Sheets, Plates, Rods, Bars |
| C14510 | Low Oxygen Tellurium Copper | CuTe-LO | 0.40 – 0.70 | Rods, Bars |
| C14520 | High Conductivity Tellurium Copper | CuTe-HC | 0.40 – 0.60 | Sheets, Plates, Bars |
| — | DIN / EN Equivalent | CuTeP (EN CW118C) | 0.40 – 0.70 | Sheets, Rods, Bars |
| — | BS / IS Equivalent | Tellurium Copper (IS / BS) | 0.40 – 0.70 | Sheets, Plates, Rods |
Mechanical, Physical & Fabrication Properties
| Property Category | Property | Typical Value / Range | Remarks / Engineering Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | Tensile Strength | 350 – 450 MPa | Comparable to ETP copper; suitable for structural machining parts |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 200 – 300 MPa | Good load-bearing capability for electrical components | |
| Elongation | 10 – 20 % | Moderate ductility; lower than pure copper | |
| Hardness | HB 80 – 120 | Depends on temper (annealed / cold-worked) | |
| Physical Properties | Electrical Conductivity | 85 – 90 % IACS | High conductivity with improved machinability |
| Thermal Conductivity | 330 – 350 W/m·K | Excellent heat dissipation | |
| Density | 8.90 g/cm³ | Similar to pure copper | |
| Melting Point | 1080 – 1085 °C | Suitable for high-temperature electrical applications | |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 16.5 × 10⁻⁶ /K | Stable under thermal cycling | |
| Fabrication Properties | Machinability | Excellent (90–95% vs free-cutting brass) | Tellurium forms micro-chips, improving tool life |
| Formability | Good | Cold forming possible with proper annealing | |
| Weldability | Fair | Welding not preferred; brazing recommended | |
| Brazability | Excellent | Ideal for electrical joints and terminals | |
| Solderability | Excellent | Widely used in electrical and electronic components | |
| Heat Treatment | Annealable | Annealing restores ductility after cold work |
Common Names & International Identifiers
| Category | Identifier / Name | Standard / System | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Names | Tellurium Copper | Industry / Trade Name | Most widely used name highlighting improved machinability |
| Free-Machining Copper | Commercial Usage | Refers to copper alloyed with tellurium for chip-breaking | |
| High-Conductivity Machining Copper | Technical Description | Used in electrical and precision machining sectors | |
| Cu-Te Alloy | Abbreviated Name | Short form used in drawings and specifications | |
| UNS / ASTM Identifiers | C14500 | UNS (Unified Numbering System) | Primary UNS designation for Tellurium Copper |
| ASTM B301 / B301M | ASTM | Standard for Tellurium Copper bars, rods & shapes | |
| ASTM B224 | ASTM | Plates, sheets & strip specifications | |
| EN / DIN Identifiers | CW118C | EN 12163 / EN 12164 | European designation for CuTe alloy |
| CuTeP | DIN | German designation emphasizing tellurium addition | |
| ISO / Other Systems | Cu-Te (ISO) | ISO 1337 / ISO 1634 | Generic ISO naming for tellurium-bearing copper |
| JIS C1450 (Equivalent) | JIS (Japan) | Functional equivalent used in Japanese electrical parts | |
| Product Form References | CuTe Sheets | Commercial Product Name | Used for electrical plates, busbar blanks & heat sinks |
| CuTe Rods | Commercial Product Name | Preferred for CNC-machined electrical components | |
| CuTe Bars | Commercial Product Name | Used in connectors, terminals & switchgear parts | |
| CuTe Plates | Commercial Product Name | Used in heavy-duty electrical & thermal applications |
Standards & International Equivalents
| Region / System | Standard | Designation | Product Forms Covered | Remarks / Equivalence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA (ASTM / UNS) | ASTM B301 / B301M | C14500 | Rods, Bars, Shapes | Primary ASTM standard for Tellurium Copper wrought products |
| ASTM B224 / B224M | C14500 | Sheets, Plates, Strips | Used for flat rolled CuTe products | |
| ASTM B152 / B152M | C14500 (Equivalent) | Sheets & Plates | General copper alloy sheet/plate standard | |
| Europe (EN) | EN 12163 | CW118C | Rods for Machining | European equivalent of UNS C14500 |
| EN 12164 | CW118C | Bars & Sections | Wrought CuTe products for mechanical use | |
| EN 1652 | CW118C | Sheets & Strips | Flat products, electrical & thermal applications | |
| Germany (DIN) | DIN 17666 | CuTeP | Sheets, Rods, Bars | Traditional German designation for Tellurium Copper |
| International (ISO) | ISO 1337 / ISO 1634 | Cu-Te | Rods, Bars, Sheets | Generic ISO reference for tellurium-bearing copper alloys |
| Japan (JIS) | JIS H3250 / H3100 | C1450 (Equivalent) | Rods, Plates, Sheets | Functional equivalent used in electrical components |
| UK (BS) | BS 2874 / BS 2872 | CuTe (Equivalent) | Rods, Bars, Sheets | British standard equivalent to UNS C14500 |
| India (IS) | IS 191 / IS 613 (Equivalent) | Cu-Te Alloy | Sheets, Rods, Bars | Used as reference where CuTe is specified by composition |
Applications
| Industry / Sector | Product Form | Typical Applications | Why Tellurium Copper (CuTe) is Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical & Power | Sheets, Bars, Plates | Busbars, switchgear parts, electrical connectors | High electrical conductivity combined with excellent machinability |
| Electrical Components | Rods, Bars | Terminals, contact pins, fuse parts | Clean machining without burrs, stable conductivity |
| Automotive | Rods, Bars, Plates | Electrical connectors, sensor components, grounding parts | Good fatigue resistance and precise machinability for mass production |
| Electronics & Semiconductor | Sheets, Plates | Heat sinks, grounding plates, electronic housings | Excellent thermal conductivity and dimensional stability |
| Machining & CNC Manufacturing | Rods, Bars | High-speed machined parts, threaded components | Free-machining copper alloy with minimal tool wear |
| Welding & Fabrication | Sheets, Bars | Welding electrodes, resistance welding components | Better machinability than pure copper while retaining conductivity |
| Power Distribution Systems | Bars, Plates | Earth bars, grounding strips, current-carrying plates | Consistent electrical performance and ease of fabrication |
| Industrial Equipment | Rods, Plates | Mechanical-electrical hybrid components | Balanced mechanical strength and conductivity |
| Telecommunications | Sheets, Bars | Signal grounding components, connector blocks | Stable conductivity with excellent surface finish |
| Aerospace & Defense | Bars, Plates | Precision electrical parts, grounding components | High reliability, clean machining, consistent material properties |
Common Tellurium Copper (CuTe) Forms & Dimensions Chart
| Product Form | Supply Condition | Standard Size Range (Typical) | Standard Length / Sheet Size | Edges / Finish | R V Metal Supply Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rods (Round) | Extruded / Drawn | Ø 6 mm to Ø 200 mm | 2 m / 3 m / 4 m / Cut-to-length | Mill finish / Turned / Centerless ground (on request) | Close tolerance options available as per ASTM/EN/IS where applicable |
| Bars (Flat) | Hot Rolled / Cold Finished | Width 10–300 mm × Thickness 3–50 mm | 3 m / 4 m / 6 m / Cut-to-length | Sheared / Sawn / Milled edges (on request) | Suitable for busbar-type machined components |
| Bars (Square) | Extruded | 10×10 mm to 80×80 mm | 3 m / 4 m / Cut-to-length | Mill finish / Machined (on request) | Used for CNC components and precision fittings |
| Bars (Hex) | Extruded | AF 10 mm to AF 80 mm | 3 m / 4 m / Cut-to-length | Mill finish | Preferred for turned parts and high-speed machining |
| Sheets | Cold Rolled | Thickness 0.5–6.0 mm | 1000×2000, 1220×2440, Cut-to-size | 2B / Bright / Mill finish | Protective PVC film optional |
| Plates | Hot Rolled / Stress-relieved (on request) | Thickness 6–100 mm | 1000×2000, 1220×2440, Cut-to-size | Mill finish / Milled faces (on request) | For heavy-duty machined components & tooling blocks |
| Tellurium Copper (CuTe) Round Rods – Theoretical Weight (kg/m) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Diameter (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Formula Reference |
| 10 | 0.699 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| 12 | 1.007 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| 16 | 1.789 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| 20 | 2.796 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| 25 | 4.369 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| 30 | 6.291 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| 40 | 11.184 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| 50 | 17.475 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| 60 | 25.164 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| 80 | 44.736 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| 100 | 69.900 | kg/m = 0.00699 × D² |
| Tellurium Copper (CuTe) Flat Bars – Theoretical Weight (kg/m) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Formula Reference |
| 20 | 3 | 0.534 | kg/m = 0.00890 × W × T |
| 25 | 3 | 0.668 | kg/m = 0.00890 × W × T |
| 25 | 5 | 1.113 | kg/m = 0.00890 × W × T |
| 30 | 5 | 1.335 | kg/m = 0.00890 × W × T |
| 40 | 5 | 1.780 | kg/m = 0.00890 × W × T |
| 50 | 6 | 2.670 | kg/m = 0.00890 × W × T |
| 50 | 10 | 4.450 | kg/m = 0.00890 × W × T |
| 60 | 10 | 5.340 | kg/m = 0.00890 × W × T |
| 80 | 10 | 7.120 | kg/m = 0.00890 × W × T |
| 100 | 12 | 10.680 | kg/m = 0.00890 × W × T |
| Tellurium Copper (CuTe) Sheets / Plates – Theoretical Weight (kg/m²) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m²) | Typical Use | Formula Reference |
| 0.5 | 4.45 | Stamping / electrical parts | kg/m² = 8.90 × t(mm) |
| 1.0 | 8.90 | General fabrication | kg/m² = 8.90 × t(mm) |
| 2.0 | 17.80 | Busbar plates / machined plates | kg/m² = 8.90 × t(mm) |
| 3.0 | 26.70 | Structural electrical plates | kg/m² = 8.90 × t(mm) |
| 5.0 | 44.50 | Tooling / heavy electrical | kg/m² = 8.90 × t(mm) |
| 6.0 | 53.40 | Machine bases / wear plates | kg/m² = 8.90 × t(mm) |
| 10 | 89.00 | Heavy-duty machined blocks | kg/m² = 8.90 × t(mm) |
| 12 | 106.80 | Welding tooling / electrodes | kg/m² = 8.90 × t(mm) |
| 20 | 178.00 | Thick plates / tooling plates | kg/m² = 8.90 × t(mm) |
NOTE:
- Weights shown are theoretical, calculated using typical CuTe density (~8.90 g/cm³). Actual weights vary with tolerance, temper, and surface finish.
- For CNC/precision parts, request ground / turned tolerance and confirm machining allowance requirement before ordering.
- Custom sizes, slitting, shearing, cutting, and milling services are available on request.
