Tellurium Copper Alloy (C14500 / CW118C)
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Tellurium Copper Alloy (C14500 / CW118C) Brochure
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Descriptions
Tellurium Copper (C14500 / CW118C) is a high-conductivity, free-machining copper alloy that delivers an exceptional balance of electrical performance, strength, and machinability. By adding a small amount of tellurium (~0.4–0.7%), the alloy achieves superior chip-breaking and tool-life performance while maintaining over 90% IACS conductivity. This makes it the preferred material for precision components that demand both high electrical or thermal efficiency and efficient production throughput.
Navkar Metal Syndicate supplies premium Tellurium Copper rods, bars, plates, and profiles engineered for high-speed machining, threading, and forming applications. The alloy’s excellent dimensional stability, low wear on cutting tools, and resistance to stress corrosion cracking make it ideal for electrical connectors, switchgear, EDM electrodes, terminals, transformer components, and semiconductor tooling.
Every batch is fully traceable and supplied with Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1), export-grade packing, and precise machining tolerances. Whether for high-volume production or custom-machined electrical parts, Navkar Metal Syndicate delivers Tellurium Copper with consistency, reliability, and superior surface finish — ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal maintenance in your operations.
Chemical Composition
Tellurium Copper (C14500 / CW118C / CuTe0.5) is a high-conductivity copper alloy enhanced with a small addition of tellurium to improve machinability without sacrificing electrical or thermal performance. The alloy retains excellent conductivity, ductility, and corrosion resistance — making it ideal for high-speed machining and precision components.
| Element | Symbol | Composition (% by weight) |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Cu | Balance (typically 99.4 – 99.6) |
| Tellurium | Te | 0.4 – 0.7 |
| Phosphorus | P | ≤ 0.008 |
| Lead | Pb | ≤ 0.005 |
| Other Impurities (each) | – | ≤ 0.05 |
| Alloy Designations | – | C14500 (UNS), CW118C (EN), CuTe0.5 (ISO) |
Note: The tellurium addition provides exceptional machinability — up to 90% of that of free-cutting brass — while maintaining excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. The alloy conforms to ASTM B301, ASTM B152, ASTM B187, and EN 12164 / EN 12165 standards.
Mechanical, Physical & Fabrication Properties
Tellurium Copper (C14500 / CW118C) combines high conductivity with superior machinability. Its mechanical properties can be enhanced by cold working, while maintaining excellent dimensional stability, corrosion resistance, and strength suitable for electrical and precision-machined components.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Annealed) | 275 – 360 | MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Cold-Worked) | 360 – 480 | MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Proof) | 100 – 250 | MPa |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | 10 – 45 | % |
| Brinell Hardness | 70 – 110 | HB |
| Electrical Conductivity | 90 – 95 | % IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 320 – 340 | W/m·K |
| Density | 8.89 | g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 115 – 120 | GPa |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 17.6 × 10⁻⁶ | /°C |
| Melting Range | 1,070 – 1,080 | °C |
Fabrication & Processing Properties
| Process | Suitability | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Working | Excellent | High machinability and good formability in soft temper. |
| Hot Working | Good | Recommended temperature: 700 – 900°C. |
| Machinability | 90% (of Free-Cutting Brass) | Outstanding chip control and tool life. |
| Weldability | Fair | Brazing and soldering recommended over fusion welding. |
| Brazing / Soldering | Excellent | Preferred joining method for electrical applications. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Comparable to pure copper; resistant to atmospheric and marine corrosion. |
Note: Properties vary with temper and section size. For specific project requirements, Navkar Metal Syndicate offers custom tempering, machining, and inspection services to ASTM, EN, and ISO standards.
Applications
Tellurium Copper (C14500 / CW118C / CuTe0.5) is the preferred material for applications requiring high electrical and thermal conductivity combined with superior machinability. Its excellent balance of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance makes it ideal for precision components across electrical, electronic, and mechanical industries.
- Electrical connectors, terminals, and contact pins
- Switchgear, circuit breaker parts, and transformer components
- Precision machined parts and threaded components
- Bus bars, fuse clips, and grounding systems
- EDM electrodes and resistance welding electrodes
- Semiconductor tooling and electronic hardware
- Automotive electrical connectors and sensor housings
- Heat exchanger fins and thermal transfer components
- Plumbing fittings, valves, and corrosion-resistant fasteners
- Non-sparking tools and safety components in hazardous environments
Due to its exceptional machinability (~90% of free-cutting brass) and conductivity exceeding 90% IACS, Tellurium Copper is widely used in high-speed production of electrical and thermal components where reliability, precision, and ease of fabrication are critical.
Navkar Metal Syndicate supplies Tellurium Copper in rods, bars, plates, and profiles for industries including electrical engineering, electronics, telecommunications, marine systems, and precision manufacturing.
Standards & International Equivalents:
Tellurium Copper is globally standardized under several material designations, ensuring compatibility across international manufacturing and procurement systems. The alloy conforms to key ASTM, EN, ISO, DIN, and JIS specifications governing machinable high-conductivity copper products.
| Standard / Region | Designation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| UNS (Unified Numbering System) | C14500 | Tellurium Copper |
| EN / European Standard | CW118C | CuTe0.5 — Machining Copper Alloy |
| ISO | CuTe0.5 | International designation for Tellurium-bearing copper |
| DIN (Germany) | 2.1546 | Tellurium Copper, high machinability grade |
| BS (British Standard) | C109 | Equivalent machinable copper alloy |
| JIS (Japan) | C1450 | Tellurium Copper (Cu-Te alloy) |
| ASTM / ASME | B301, B152, B187, B133, B196 | Standard specifications for rods, bars, plates, and forgings |
| RoHS / REACH Compliance | Compliant | Lead-free and environmentally safe alloy |
Note: Equivalent standards may vary depending on form (rod, plate, wire, or profile). All Tellurium Copper products supplied by Navkar Metal Syndicate conform to the latest international specifications for machinable high-conductivity copper alloys.
Common Names & International Identifiers
Tellurium Copper is widely recognized across global markets under multiple trade and international designations. Known for its exceptional machinability and high conductivity, this alloy bridges the gap between pure copper and free-machining brass, making it a preferred choice in electrical, thermal, and precision-engineering applications.
| Identifier Type | Designation / Common Name | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UNS Number | C14500 | Unified Numbering System designation for Tellurium Copper |
| EN Number | CW118C | European standard equivalent (CuTe0.5) |
| ISO / International | CuTe0.5 | International designation; machinable copper with 0.5% tellurium |
| DIN (Germany) | 2.1546 | High-machinability copper alloy, equivalent to C14500 |
| BS (UK) | C109 | British Standard equivalent of Tellurium Copper |
| JIS (Japan) | C1450 | Japanese Industrial Standard designation |
| Trade / Common Names | Tellurium Copper, CuTe, CuTe0.5, Free-Machining Copper | Commercial and industrial naming variants |
| CDA Alloy Number | 145 | Designated by the Copper Development Association (CDA) |
Note: The alloy is sometimes referred to as “Free Machining Copper” due to its excellent chip formation and tool life during machining — achieving nearly 90% of the machinability of free-cutting brass while retaining copper’s conductivity.
Common Product Forms & Dimensions
Tellurium Copper (C14500 / CW118C / CuTe0.5) is a highly machinable copper alloy produced in a wide range of product forms suitable for precision electrical, mechanical, and thermal applications. It is available in various standard and customized sizes to meet the needs of electrical, aerospace, marine, and general engineering industries.
Available Product Forms
- Rods / Bars: Round, hex, square, flat, and rectangular bars
- Plates: Available in multiple thicknesses and widths
- Sheets: Thin material for precision and electrical applications
- Strips: Cold-rolled material, typically below 3/16" thickness
- Wire: Supplied in both round and square cross-sections
- Tubes / Pipes: Hollow forms, suitable for heat and electrical transfer systems
- Other Forms: Ingots, billets, forgings, channels, and angles
Typical Size Ranges
| Form | Size Range (Metric) | Size Range (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Round Bars / Rods | 3 mm to 800 mm Diameter | 1/8″ to over 2.75″ Diameter |
| Hex Bars | 2 mm to 100 mm (across flats) | 1/8″ to 3.00″ (A/F) |
| Square Bars | 4 mm × 4 mm to 100 mm × 100 mm | 8 mm to 120 mm (side length) |
| Flat Bars | Thickness: 2 – 100 mm; Width: 10 – 500 mm | Thickness: 3/16″ – 4″; Width: 0.75″ – 4″ (common stock) |
| Plates | ≥ 5 mm Thickness; ≥ 250 mm Width | ≥ 3/16″ Thickness; ≥ 10″ Width |
| Sheets / Strips | < 5 mm Thickness | < 3/16″ Thickness |
| Wire | Round: 1.2 – 6.2 mm; Square: 5.1 – 7.4 mm | Various gauges |
| Hollow Rods | Min Bore: 20 mm; Max OD: 100 mm | Custom supplier ranges |
Note: Actual size availability may vary depending on manufacturing method (hot rolled, cold drawn, forged, or extruded forms). Tolerances typically conform to ASTM B301 and other relevant standards.
Navkar Metal Syndicate maintains ready stock of Tellurium Copper in precision-machined and mill-finished conditions for quick dispatch to global industrial customers.
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