Cadmium Copper (C16200 / C16500)
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Descriptions
At Navkar Metal Syndicate, we supply high-performance Cadmium Copper alloys (C16200 & C16500) engineered for applications that demand both exceptional electrical conductivity and superior mechanical strength.
With cadmium additions ranging from approximately 0.1% to 1.0%, these alloys enhance the strength and wear resistance of pure copper while retaining up to 95% IACS electrical conductivity. This unique balance makes Cadmium Copper ideal for high-load electrical connectors, resistance welding electrodes, switchgear parts, commutator segments, and industrial terminals.
Each batch is precision-processed through controlled casting and heat treatment to ensure consistent hardness, dimensional stability, and high conductivity. Cadmium Copper combines the toughness and thermal stability of copper with enhanced fatigue and creep resistance, making it suitable for demanding environments in aerospace, electrical, automotive, and heavy machinery industries.
Every product is supplied with Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1), traceable heat numbers, and export-grade packing, ensuring reliability and global compliance with ASTM B441, ASTM B534, and ASTM B196 standards. Whether you require rods, bars, strips, or forgings, Navkar Metal Syndicate delivers Cadmium Copper alloys that balance conductivity, strength, and longevity — built for precision and engineered to perform.
Chemical Composition
Cadmium Copper alloys (C16200 & C16500) are high-conductivity copper alloys strengthened with controlled additions of cadmium. These additions enhance mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, and wear performance while maintaining excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
| Element | C16200 (% by weight) | C16500 (% by weight) |
|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | Balance | Balance |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 0.05 – 0.20 | 0.10 – 1.00 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.005 | ≤ 0.005 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Typical Conductivity (% IACS) | 95% | 85–90% |
UNS Designations: C16200 (Low Cadmium Copper) & C16500 (High Cadmium Copper)
Equivalent Standards: ASTM B441, ASTM B534, ASTM B196, RWMA Class 2, BS 2871, EN CW100.
Mechanical, Physical & Fabrication Properties
Cadmium Copper alloys combine the high electrical and thermal conductivity of pure copper with significantly improved mechanical strength, hardness, and wear resistance. Through proper heat treatment and work hardening, these alloys achieve a superior strength-to-conductivity ratio, making them ideal for demanding electrical and mechanical applications.
| Property | C16200 | C16500 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 275 – 380 MPa (Annealed) Up to 450 MPa (Cold Worked) |
310 – 480 MPa (Annealed) Up to 550 MPa (Cold Worked) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | 150 – 300 MPa | 200 – 350 MPa |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | 10 – 25% | 8 – 20% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 60 – 120 HB | 80 – 150 HB |
| Electrical Conductivity | Up to 95% IACS | 85 – 90% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 320 – 350 W/m·K | 280 – 320 W/m·K |
| Density | 8.90 g/cm³ | 8.89 g/cm³ |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 16.9 × 10⁻⁶ /°C | 16.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Melting Point | ~1080°C | ~1070°C |
| Fabrication Properties |
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These properties make Cadmium Copper (C16200 & C16500) a top choice where high conductivity must coexist with mechanical durability — particularly in electrical contacts, electrodes, switchgear parts, and resistance welding applications.
Applications
Cadmium Copper alloys are used in applications requiring the combination of high electrical conductivity, superior mechanical strength, and wear resistance. These alloys perform exceptionally well under high-stress and high-temperature electrical conditions, where ordinary copper would soften or deform.
- Resistance welding electrodes and holders
- Switchgear, circuit breaker, and contact components
- Commutator segments and rotor conductors
- Electrical connectors, lugs, and heavy-duty terminals
- Transformer parts, bus bars, and current-carrying springs
- Heat-resistant conductors and contacts in power systems
- High-performance electrical hardware for aerospace and defense applications
- Resistance brazing and spot welding equipment tips
- Switch arms, clamps, and relay components exposed to high electrical load
- Non-deforming contacts in industrial automation and high-load electrical assemblies
With superior strength retention at elevated temperatures, Cadmium Copper (C16200 / C16500) is ideal for demanding electrical and mechanical service — offering a long service life and consistent conductivity in every environment.
Standards & International Equivalents:
Cadmium Copper alloys (C16200 & C16500) conform to multiple international standards for high-conductivity, high-strength copper materials used in electrical and resistance welding applications. These specifications ensure mechanical integrity, consistent conductivity, and compatibility with global manufacturing standards.
| Standard / Specification | C16200 | C16500 |
|---|---|---|
| UNS Designation | C16200 | C16500 |
| ASTM / ASME | ASTM B441, ASTM B534 | ASTM B441, ASTM B534, ASTM B196 |
| ISO / EN | EN CW100C | EN CW100C / EN CW101C |
| BS (British Standard) | BS 2871 / BS 6017 HC101 | BS 2871 / BS 6017 HC102 |
| DIN (Germany) | DIN 17666 CuCd1 | DIN 17666 CuCd2 |
| JIS (Japan) | JIS C1201 | JIS C1202 |
| RWMA (Resistance Welding Manufacturers Association) | RWMA Class 2 | RWMA Class 2 / 3 (High-Strength Applications) |
| IEC / ISO Equivalent Grades | IEC 60028 HC101 | IEC 60028 HC102 |
Navkar Metal Syndicate’s Cadmium Copper alloys comply with international manufacturing standards and are supplied with complete Mill Test Certificates (MTCs) ensuring traceability, mechanical integrity, and conductivity performance.
Common Names & International Identifiers
Cadmium Copper alloys are recognized globally under various commercial names, specifications, and engineering standards. These identifiers help ensure consistent material selection across industries such as electrical, aerospace, defense, and resistance welding.
| Designation Type | C16200 | C16500 |
|---|---|---|
| Common / Trade Names | Cadmium Copper Alloy, Cadmium Bearing Copper, CuCd1 | High Strength Cadmium Copper, CuCd2 |
| UNS Number | C16200 | C16500 |
| EN / ISO Designation | CW100C | CW101C |
| DIN Designation | CuCd1 (DIN 17666) | CuCd2 (DIN 17666) |
| BS / British Equivalent | HC101 | HC102 |
| JIS Equivalent | C1201 | C1202 |
| RWMA Classification | Class 2 | Class 2 / 3 (High Strength) |
| Other Known Identifiers | CuCd, CuCd1, CuCd(1%) | CuCd2, Copper-Cadmium Alloy, High-Conductivity Cadmium Copper |
These international identifiers ensure interchangeability and reliability of Cadmium Copper (C16200 / C16500) across multiple industries and specifications, aligning with ASTM, DIN, BS, JIS, and RWMA standards.
Common Product Forms & Dimensions
UNS C16200 and C16500 Cadmium Copper alloys are supplied in a comprehensive range of semi-finished and finished forms including rod, bar, wire, sheet, and plate. These alloys are produced in various standard and custom sizes, depending on the manufacturer and temper condition (e.g., cold drawn, annealed, or hard drawn). Each product ensures high conductivity, exceptional strength, and uniform mechanical performance.
Available Forms
- Rods/Bars: Round, square, hexagonal (hex), flat, and rectangular bars — also available as hollow bars.
- Wire: Round, flat, square, and shaped wires, including wire mesh and coil forms.
- Flat Products: Sheets, plates, strips, blanks (circles), and foils for electrical and industrial use.
- Tubes/Pipes: Available in seamless or welded form for specialized applications.
- Forged Products: Forged blocks, discs, and custom forged round bars.
Typical Size Ranges
The table below shows general size availability commonly supplied by leading global manufacturers. Exact dimensions and tolerances should be verified with suppliers, as custom and cut-to-length options are widely available.
| Form | Typical Size Ranges (Metric) | Typical Size Ranges (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Round Rod / Bar | 4 mm to 500 mm (OD) | 1/8" to 24" (OD, larger custom sizes available) |
| Hex Bar | 10 mm to 60 mm (A/F) | 11/16" to 2-3/4" (A/F) |
| Square Bar | 10 mm to 60 mm (A/F) | 11/16" to 1-3/4" (A/F) |
| Flat / Rectangular Bar | Thickness: 10 – 50 mm; Width: 25 – 150 mm | Width: 1" – 6" (varies by supplier) |
| Sheet / Plate | Thickness: 0.4 mm to 100 mm | Thickness: 0.016" to 4" |
| Round Wire | 0.8 mm to 5 mm (standard); up to 100 mm (special) | 8 SWG to 30 SWG (approx.) |
| Flat Wire | 0.30 × 0.05 mm to 4 × 2 mm | Custom sizes available on request |
| Tubes / Pipes | 6 mm to 108 mm (OD) | Varies (contact for custom range) |
These alloys are widely used in high-performance applications requiring a balance of high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, such as in resistance welding electrodes, electrical connectors, and trolley wire systems.
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