Why is copper difficult to machine?

Copper is soft and gummy, causing built-up edge on cutting tools and poor chip formation. Sharp tools with polished rake faces, high-pressure coolant, and appropriate chip-breaking strategies are required. Machinability is only 20% of free-cutting brass.

What is the most common copper grade for CNC machining?

C11000 (pure copper) is the most common for electrical and thermal applications. C10100 (oxygen-free) is used for critical electronic applications requiring maximum conductivity. C17200 (beryllium copper) is used for high-strength spring and wear applications.

What is beryllium copper used for?

Beryllium copper combines high strength with good conductivity. It is used for electrical contacts, spring contacts, and wear-resistant components requiring both strength and conductivity.

What safety precautions are required for machining beryllium copper?

Beryllium dust is toxic. Machining requires wet machining, sealed equipment, HEPA filtration, and proper PPE. We implement appropriate safety protocols for all beryllium copper work.

Can copper be anodized or coated?

Copper can be plated with silver, tin, nickel, or gold. It does not anodize. Passivation is used for corrosion resistance. Electropolishing improves surface quality and conductivity.

What industries use CNC copper machining?

Electronics, thermal management, electrical components, automotive EV, EDM, and industrial equipment. Copper is specified where thermal or electrical performance is critical.

CNC Copper

CNC copper machining is the precision processing of copper alloys using computer-controlled cutting tools. Copper is valued for its exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity—second only to silver—and its corrosion resistance. Pure copper (C11000, C10100) is the standard for electrical and thermal applications, while alloys like beryllium copper provide high strength with good conductivity.

Copper is relatively soft and gummy, which presents machining challenges similar to aluminum: built-up edge on cutting tools and chip evacuation difficulties. Sharp tools with polished rake faces and proper coolants are essential. For beryllium copper (C17200), specific safety protocols are required. Tolerances are held to ±0.02-0.05mm standard, with precision work at ±0.01mm. Surface finishes reach Ra 0.8-1.6μm as-machined.

Our CNC Machining Services

From prototype to production — reliable quality, on-time delivery

We provide precision CNC machining services for a wide range of materials including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, PEEK, PTFE, acetal, nylon, and other engineering plastics. Our manufacturing capabilities cover 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling, as well as CNC turning, suitable for both prototype development and high-volume production runs.

With ISO 9001:2015 certification and a commitment to quality, we serve customers across aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, industrial equipment, and consumer goods industries. Our in-house capabilities include surface finishing, anodizing, powder coating, heat treatment, and inspection with CMM and optical measurement equipment.

We offer competitive pricing, flexible lead times, and full material traceability. From simple brackets to complex precision components, we deliver parts that meet your specifications with reliable quality and on-time delivery.

Case StudiesMore+

SLINAR - CNC Turn-Mill Compound Machining Service for Brass Nozzle Parts

CNC Turn-Mill Compound Machining Service for Brass Nozzle Parts-copper

Materials

Copper C101

Copper C101 | CU OFE

Copper (C101), 99.99% pure, is a copper alloy with excellent conductivity and high corrosion resistance and toughness.

Understand Copper C101

Copper C110

Copper C110 | CU ETP

Copper (C110) is a pure at 99.90% copper alloy, with universal for electrical applications high thermal conductivity and good corrosion resistance.

Understand Copper C110

Applications

Thermal Management

Heat sinks for electronics (pure copper)
CPU and GPU cooling components
LED cooling plates
Thermal transfer plates
Phase-change cooling components

Electrical

Bus bars and electrical connectors
Terminal blocks and contacts
Transformer components
Circuit breaker components
Welding tips and electrodes

EDM Electrodes

Copper electrodes for sinker EDM
Copper-tungsten alloy electrodes
Graphite-coated copper electrodes

Automotive

Electric vehicle bus bars
Battery interconnects
Brush holders
Relay and switch components

Industrial

Wear rings and bushings (beryllium copper)
Pump components
Valve seats and seals
Solenoid components

Capabilities

We machine copper grades including C11000 (pure copper), C10100 (oxygen-free copper), and C17200 (beryllium copper). Our CNC turning and milling equipment is configured for copper with sharp polished carbide tooling, high-pressure coolant, and appropriate speeds. We implement safety protocols for beryllium copper machining. Tolerances held to ±0.02-0.05mm standard, ±0.01mm precision. ISO 9001:2015 certified.

Finishes

As-Machined

Standard finish for copper parts
Ra 0.8 – 1.6μm typical
Functional surfaces

Electropolishing

Smooths surface, removes contamination
Improves conductivity
Ra 0.4μm achievable

Passivation

Chemical treatment for corrosion resistance
Removes surface oxides
Standard for electrical contacts

Plating

Silver Plating: Maximum conductivity
Tin Plating: Solderability
Nickel Plating: Corrosion protection
Gold Plating: Contacts and connectors

Bead Blasting

Uniform matte texture
Removes tool marks
Industrial appearance

Technical Specs

Property	C11000 (Pure Copper)	C10100 (Oxygen-Free)	C17200 (Beryllium Copper)
Conductivity (% IACS)	100	101	25
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	400	390	100
Tensile Strength (MPa)	220	220	480-550
Yield Strength (MPa)	70	70	280-400
Elongation at Break (%)	40	45	8-12
Hardness (Brinell)	45	45	220-380
Density (g/cm³)	8.92	8.92	8.83
Machinability Rating	20%	20%	20%

Parameter	Capability
Max Part Size (Milling)	2,000mm x 800mm x 600mm
Max Part Size (Turning)	600mm diameter x 1,500mm length
Standard Tolerance	±0.02 – 0.05mm
Precision Tolerance	±0.01mm
Surface Finish (As-Machined)	Ra 0.8 – 1.6μm
Surface Finish (Precision)	Ra 0.4μm

FAQs

Why is copper difficult to machine?

Copper is soft and gummy, causing built-up edge on cutting tools and poor chip formation. Sharp tools with polished rake faces, high-pressure coolant, and appropriate chip-breaking strategies are required. Machinability is only 20% of free-cutting brass.
What is the most common copper grade for CNC machining?

C11000 (pure copper) is the most common for electrical and thermal applications. C10100 (oxygen-free) is used for critical electronic applications requiring maximum conductivity. C17200 (beryllium copper) is used for high-strength spring and wear applications.
What is beryllium copper used for?

Beryllium copper combines high strength with good conductivity. It is used for electrical contacts, spring contacts, and wear-resistant components requiring both strength and conductivity.
What safety precautions are required for machining beryllium copper?

Beryllium dust is toxic. Machining requires wet machining, sealed equipment, HEPA filtration, and proper PPE. We implement appropriate safety protocols for all beryllium copper work.
Can copper be anodized or coated?

Copper can be plated with silver, tin, nickel, or gold. It does not anodize. Passivation is used for corrosion resistance. Electropolishing improves surface quality and conductivity.
What industries use CNC copper machining?

Electronics, thermal management, electrical components, automotive EV, EDM, and industrial equipment. Copper is specified where thermal or electrical performance is critical.

Services

Industries

Cases