Application fields of copper alloys
Copper alloys are of vital importance in various industries, thanks to their unique combination of properties such as electrical/conductive and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, antibacterial activity, strength and durability. Some of the main application areas of copper alloys are as follows:
Medical industry
Copper alloys (such as brass and bronze) are used in orthopedic implants, dental equipment, surgical instruments, and antibacterial contact surfaces (such as door handles and bed rails). Their inherent germicidal properties help reduce hospital infections.
New energy industry
Copper alloys are indispensable in photovoltaic systems (solar cell interconnectors, busbars), wind turbine generators, battery electrode components (lithium battery anode collectors), electric vehicle charging stations and power grid infrastructure, due to their excellent conductivity and reliability (tellurium-copper).
Aerospace and Aviation
High-strength copper alloys (such as beryllium copper) are crucial in aircraft landing gear bearings, engine heat exchangers, avionics connectors, fuel system components, and rocket propulsion systems. These applications require high-performance thermal/electrical conductivity and fatigue resistance.
Marine Engineering
Corrosion-resistant copper-nickel alloys (such as CuNi 90/10, 70/30) have dominated the hull coating, seawater piping systems, heat exchangers, offshore platform components and seawater desalination plants, as they possess outstanding resistance to biological contamination and seawater corrosion.
Other key components
Copper alloys are widely used in electronics (connectors, heat sinks), automobiles (heat sinks, bearings), industrial valves/pumps, currency manufacturing, and architectural elements (roofs, facades), fully leveraging their versatility, machinability, and long lifespan.