High-performance metallurgy engineered for industrial efficiency.
A metallurgical perspective on Chromium Zirconium Copper properties.
C18150 Chromium Zirconium Copper (UNS C18150, EN CW106C, ISO CuCr1Zr) stands as the gold standard for high-performance copper alloys used under severe electrical and thermal conditions. Pure copper possesses excellent conductivity but lacks mechanical strength and undergoes rapid softening when exposed to temperatures exceeding 200°C. By precisely adding Chromium (Cr) and Zirconium (Zr), metallurgists create a precipitation-hardening system. The microstructures are locked through age-hardening, preventing thermal degradation and enabling operation up to 500°C while retaining an electrical conductivity value of up to 85% IACS.
From an OEM procurement standpoint, understanding the balance between composition, mechanical tempering, and processing is essential for quality control. Sichuan Kepai New Material Co., Ltd. supplies fully certified C18150 alloy materials that fulfill strict global quality directives, matching raw material traceability protocols for global automotive and high-tech markets.
Thermal processing involves a rapid quench followed by controlled aging at 450-500°C. This causes the chromium and zirconium phases to form sub-microscopic precipitates inside the copper matrix, creating crystalline locks that increase hardness without blocking electrical pathways.
Under repeated high thermal shock, standard copper alloys deform or creep. C18150 retains its mechanical yield strength and geometric tolerances, making it critical for spot welding tips, continuous casting molds, and long-life switches.
Despite its high hardness, C18150 maintains a minimum thermal conductivity of 320 W/m·K and electrical conductivity up to 85% IACS. This combination prevents rapid localized heating in electrical charging stations and power distribution components.
Comprehensive Chemical & Physical metrics for UNS C18150 Alloys.
| Alloy Grade | Composition (Wt. %) | Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) | Hardness (HRB) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Thermal Cond. (W/m·K) | Softening Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C18150 / CuCr1Zr | Cr: 0.5 - 1.2% Zr: 0.03 - 0.3% Cu: Balance |
≥ 80 - 85% | 75 - 85 | 450 - 550 | 320 - 340 | 500 |
| C18200 / CuCr | Cr: 0.6 - 1.2% Cu: Balance |
≥ 80% | 70 - 80 | 380 - 485 | 320 | 425 |
| C15000 / CuZr | Zr: 0.13 - 0.20% Cu: Balance |
≥ 90% | 65 - 72 | 350 - 450 | 360 | 450 |
Sichuan Kepai operates a robust, state-of-the-art facility ensuring high-purity casting and calibration.
A key factor in sourcing C18150 is batch-to-batch uniformity. Unrefined manufacturing processes lead to chromium oxidation or zirconium segregation, yielding weak spots or drop-offs in conductivity. Sichuan Kepai implements dynamic monitoring systems from vacuum induction melting to continuous extrusion and cold drawing. Our integrated laboratory inspects composition, metallurgical structure, and electrical metrics, delivering premium quality.
Adhering to global trade standards and environmental directives.
Sourcing metallic raw materials requires adherence to strict global safety rules. Global OEMs require strict compliance with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) directives. Kepai’s C18150 alloys are processed without harmful additives, safeguarding workers' safety and alignment with environmental codes across Europe, America, and Asia.
Sichuan Kepai has implemented a comprehensive ISO-certified Quality Management System. We issue detailed Material Test Reports (MTR) with each shipment, listing composition, hardness, tensile strength, and conductivity measurements. This transparent testing eliminates risks during incoming inspection, ensuring performance in safety-critical industries like new energy vehicles and aerospace.
How C18150 drives performance in clean energy and manufacturing infrastructure.
The push toward ultra-fast electric vehicle charging systems demands connector pins that carry massive currents without overheating. C18150 is the optimal material for contact pins in heavy-duty DC charging plugs, preventing physical deformation over cycles of plug-ins.
Automobile production lines utilize spot welding electrodes to assemble bodies. Standard copper softens rapidly under electric arc heating, mushrooming the welding tip. C18150 maintains its geometry, extending electrode life when welding galvanized steel sheets.
Modern manufacturing utilizes laser and plasma cutting systems operating at extreme thermal densities. The components holding nozzles and electrical arcs demand thermal dissipation combined with mechanical wear resistance, making C18150 the material of choice.
Industry Development Trends: Global metallurgical processing points toward high-conductivity copper alloys with high-purity inputs. The growth of smart power grids, 5G base stations, and high-frequency communication relays has expanded the market for specialized copper alloys. Global procurement teams prioritize suppliers that combine technical customization with clean chemical compositions. Sichuan Kepai addresses these demands by researching and producing strategic copper alloys with reduced environmental impacts.
A trusted Chinese manufacturer integrating technological innovation and reliable delivery.
Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. was established in 2017 in the Guanghan Industrial Development Zone in Sichuan. Operating a 9,000 square meter factory alongside a 1,000 square meter research office, Kepai operates a streamlined process from raw casting to post-machining. This control helps lower logistics expenses, optimize energy use, and pass cost savings to our global partners.
Our engineering focus centers on high-conductivity, free-cutting, and high-strength copper alloys. This includes tellurium copper, oxygen-free copper, silver copper, and chromium zirconium copper. Rather than functioning as a standard distributor, Kepai operates as an R&D partner. Our team is available to assist you in selecting chemical composition targets or heat-treatment stages to match your project needs.
Production facilities optimized for vacuum melting, extrusion, and calibration.
Founded and dedicated to developing high-performance copper solutions.
Every batch undergoes chemical and physical checks, backed by full certifications.
Exporting to major industrial regions in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Answering the critical questions for copper alloy engineers and buyers.
Consult with our engineers to match C18150 chemical specifications to your physical performance requirements.
Advanced materials engineered to meet diverse industrial demands.
Kepai
