Copper Alloys Knowledge Base is launched

The database gives detailed information on 27 copper-based conductivity materials, with detailed datasheets for each, references for known properties and an advanced properties search function.

The site also offers an extensive overview of copper, including its atomic structure, the physical properties and thermodynamics of copper alloys, strengthening mechanisms for metallic materials, characteristics of copper alloys used for electrical purposes, the impact of alloying additions on selected properties of copper alloys, and their susceptibility to processing and processing capacity.

The database will be especially useful for designers wishing to consider and select copper alloys for demanding applications that require any combination of:-

Miniaturisation: Copper’s compactness, in combination with high conductivity and good mechanical properties, allows performant conductors to be designed for demanding applications.
Conductivity: Copper, as the standard for conductivity, provides a solution for high current densities, or high currents.
Low losses: When energy needs to be saved, choose copper.
Strength: When mechanical properties matter for conductors, copper offers high strength with low creep and fatigue, and it can be alloyed to provide even more strength.
Flexibility: Copper’s good processing capability enables the production of flexible cables.  This, combined with its strength, allows copper cables to be drawn down to 50 micron diameters, to produce super-flexible cables for robots.
High temperatures: Copper can operate at higher temperatures than alternative materials.
Corrosion: Copper provides excellent resistance to corrosive environments.

The Copper Alloys Knowledge Base is a joint project from the European Copper Institute and AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow.  It is accessible free-of-charge here.