5 Factors To Consider When Selecting Copper Sheet Metal For Sale
Copper remains an indispensable metal for a variety of industries, being the third-most consumed metal after iron and aluminum. The National Minerals Information Center under the USGS estimates that the U.S mine production of recoverable copper in 2020 was at 1.2 million tons valued at $7.5 billion. Globally, the production was approximately 20 million tons.
Picking the right copper sheet metal for sale requires a deeper understanding of its different properties. Here are five tips to help you pick out the right copper sheets for your application.
1. Copper Alloys
Copper sheet metal for sale is available in many different grades and alloys, including bronze and brass. You may need to research the different options available in the market before choosing the right one for your project. Alloys add certain physical properties that pure copper may not have. However, the combined metals may also contain some limitations too.
2. Temper Designation
Tempering in the copper industry refers to the process of using heat to produce thin sheet metal with specific metallurgical characteristics. The mechanical properties of copper alloys may vary depending on the thermal-mechanical processing of the metal during production or post-production processes.
There are two extremes of copper denoted as Soft (H01) to Hard (H04). There are different series available, depending on the standards used during production. The degree of hardness determines the application of brass and copper alloys. Soft temper copper is popular in etching and sculpturing as it is easier to cut or mold. Harder tempers are excellent for heavier and thicker applications.
3. Thickness
The thickness of copper sheet metal for sale may be measured in a variety of ways, including inches, gauge, MIL, millimeters, or ounces. 1 MIL is an extremely thin copper foil with approximately .001 inches. Establishing the gauge is another popular way of determining thickness. The larger the gauge value, the thinner the sheet metal will be. You may have to contact your thin metal sheet supplier to determine the right thickness for your project.
4. Quantity
You may also need to figure out the amount of copper sheet metal for sale that you require for your application. The quantity required may determine the supplier that you work with. Some vendors may have a minimum sheet order required before processing a transaction. Others, such as Thin Metal Sales, have no restrictions on the quantity ordered. You may need to verify that the supplier has the means and capability to source and delivery the copper sheet metal.
5. Certified Suppliers
You may need to find a trusted and reliable supplier for your copper sheet metal for sale. Building a steady and constant rapport ensures that you never run out of the metal products that you need for your project or fabrication. You can research more about the vendor online by checking comments, reviews, and testimonials left by past clients. Additionally, the pricing of their products is another key factor to keep in mind.
Copper remains a principal metal in most industrial applications. The tips above can help you make a smart, informed, and economical decision. Are you searching for copper sheet metal for sale? Reach out to Thin Metal Sales to discuss your needs.