Engineered for high electrical conductivity and outstanding machinability in heavy-duty industrial applications.
In the highly sophisticated manufacturing ecosystem of the United States, materials that combine excellent electrical conductivity with superior machinability are in constant demand. C18700 Leaded Copper (UNS C18700), conforming to standard ASTM B301, stands out as a unique copper alloy specifically engineered to meet these rigorous requirements. By incorporating a nominal 1% lead content into the copper matrix, C18700 achieves a machinability rating of 85% relative to free-cutting brass (C36000), while maintaining an impressive electrical conductivity of approximately 96% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard).
US manufacturers in key industrial states such as Michigan, Ohio, Texas, California, and Illinois rely heavily on C18700 leaded copper for precision-machined electrical components. The rise of high-speed CNC machining centers across the American Midwest has driven the adoption of free-machining alloys. C18700 allows for higher cutting speeds, cleaner thread profiles, and significantly reduced tool wear compared to pure, non-leaded copper. This translates directly into lower production costs and shorter cycle times for US OEMs producing high-volume electrical connectors, terminal pins, and switchgear components.
Sichuan Kepai New Material Co., Ltd.
Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd., established in 2017, is a high-tech enterprise integrating research and development, production, and sales. Currently, the factory covers an area of approximately 9,000 square meters, with an office space of about 1,000 square meters. The company primarily engages in the production of strategic emerging new materials for the national 13th Five-Year Plan, including special copper alloys such as tellurium copper, high-conductivity oxygen-free copper, silver copper, and dispersion copper, while also focusing on the research and development of high-conductivity, easy-to-machine, high-strength copper alloys. The products are mainly applied in high-tech fields such as new energy vehicles, 5G technology, laser cutting, and lithium battery relays.
As the United States transitions toward a greener economy, environmental regulations regarding lead content continue to evolve. Under current US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines and state-level regulations like California Proposition 65, the use of leaded copper alloys is strictly monitored. However, for specialized electrical, aerospace, and defense applications where high conductivity and high-speed precision machining are non-negotiable, C18700 remains an indispensable material. The industry trend focuses on using advanced manufacturing processes to produce high-purity alloys that strictly adhere to ASTM B301 standards, ensuring consistent performance and chemical homogeneity.
US manufacturers are increasingly demanding materials with superior surface finishes and tight dimensional tolerances to support automated assembly lines. Sichuan Kepai addresses these demands by utilizing state-of-the-art extrusion, drawing, and straightening equipment. By controlling the lead distribution within the copper matrix at a microscopic level, we produce C18700 Leaded Copper that offers uniform machinability throughout the entire length of the rod, minimizing tool breakage and maximizing production efficiency for American machine shops.
Ensures minimal energy loss in high-current electrical applications, making it ideal for US power grid upgrades and EV charging networks.
Drastically reduces machining time and tool wear on automated CNC equipment compared to pure oxygen-free copper.
Fully compliant with international and US standard specifications for free-cutting copper rod and bar.
Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. Core Capabilities

Technological innovation is the core competitiveness of Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. The company has a research and development and production team composed of senior industry experts who keep pace with international cutting-edge technology trends and continuously explore the unknown boundaries in the field of new copper alloy materials. Through a combination of independent research and development and industry-university-research collaboration, Kepai has made breakthrough progress in several areas, including high-performance tellurium copper, lead copper, and sulfur copper. Many of its technological achievements have reached international advanced levels and have been successfully applied in various industries such as new energy vehicles, precision machining parts, plasma cutting, relays, and energy storage, earning widespread recognition and praise in the market.

Kepai's product line is rich and diverse, covering a comprehensive range of solutions from basic materials to high-end customization. We focus on providing customers with high-performance, high-quality high-end copper alloy products, including but not limited to pure copper, oxygen-free copper, oxygen-free high-conductivity tellurium copper, nickel tellurium copper, tin bronze, beryllium copper, lead bronze, sulfur copper, and chromium zirconium copper. These products play an important role in reducing production costs and enhancing product performance due to their excellent physical and chemical properties and environmental friendliness, creating significant economic and social benefits for customers.

In the face of global market competition, Sichuan Kepai New Materials adheres to the development strategy of "rooted in Sichuan, radiating nationwide, and moving towards the world." By continuously optimizing market layout and improving the sales network, we have established a stable customer base in multiple provinces and cities across the country and have formed long-term cooperative relationships with several internationally renowned enterprises. At the same time, the company actively expands into overseas markets, participates in international competition and cooperation, and strives to promote Kepai's brand influence on the global stage.

We understand that the long-term development of an enterprise is inseparable from an excellent corporate culture. We advocate the corporate spirit of "integrity, innovation, collaboration, and win-win," encouraging employees to explore boldly and innovate courageously, while also emphasizing teamwork and talent cultivation, striving to create a harmonious, open, and inclusive work atmosphere. We believe that only by continuously pursuing excellence and creating value can we win the trust of customers and the respect of society.
Advanced Production & Quality Testing Facilities

Smelting

laying-off

extrusion

drawing

straightening

package

eddy current conductance instrument

Chemical composition test room

Metallographic sample polishing machine

Microcomputer controlled electro-hydraulic servo universal testing machine

Liquid crystal display electronic universal testing machine

Hardness tester
Demonstrating Global Quality Standards & Compliance














Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. has established a robust supply chain network to serve distributors, fabricators, and OEMs across North America. We understand the stringent demands of the US customs, logistics, and quality assurance workflows. Our products are packaged with heavy-duty materials to prevent corrosion and physical damage during transoceanic shipping, ensuring that the material arrives at your facility in pristine condition.
Every shipment of C18700 Leaded Copper undergoes a comprehensive quality check in our testing center before dispatch. We perform chemical composition analysis using optical emission spectrometers, verify electrical conductivity with eddy current testers, and test mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation, and hardness) to ensure full compliance with the US buyer’s exact specifications. Detailed Mill Test Reports (MTRs) are provided with every batch, guaranteeing absolute traceability and quality assurance.
Explore our extensive range of high-performance copper alloys exported to the United States market.
Looking ahead, Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. will continue to uphold its original intention, with even greater enthusiasm and determination, to engage in research and application in the field of new materials, contributing to the development of the new copper alloy materials industry in China and globally. We look forward to working hand in hand with friends from all walks of life to create a brilliant future together!
Contact Our Technical Sales Team