Copper Alloys
An introduction to copper alloys
Copper is one of the oldest metallic materials, in common use. With a density from 8.90 to 8.96 g/cm³ it is relatively heavy metal with very good thermal and electrical conductivity properties. Although its weight and low strength characteristics deny it wide application in aerospace products it nonetheless is an important element in the design of electrical systems, transformer and heat exchanger applications.
Although its use is limited there are a number of different copper alloys which have been developed for aerospace use. These can be categorised into three groups: bronze (copper with tin), brass (copper with zinc) and cupronickel (copper with zinc and nickel).
As a flexible metal, copper can be deformed easily and has a very good ductility. It also demonstrates a good resistance to corrosion.
Copper alloys standards and specifications
| C17200 (Copper Beryllium) |
| Strip |
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AT (TF 00) |
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AMS 4530 |
WL2.1247 |
NF L-14709 |
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Airbus |
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1/2 H |
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AMS 4532 |
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| Rod |
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AT (TF 00) |
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AMS 4533 |
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NF L-14709 |
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ASTM B196 |
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ASNA 3417 |
Airbus |
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QQ-C-530 |
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BMS 7-353 |
Boeing |
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HT (TH 04) |
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AMS 4534 |
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ASNA 3400 |
Airbus |
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ASTM B196 |
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QQ-C-530 |
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MIL-H-7199 |
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Overaged |
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BMS 7-353 |
Boeing |
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A (TB 00) |
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AMS 4650 |
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ASTM B-196 |
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QQ-C-530 |
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H (TD 04) |
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AMS 4651 |
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ASTM B-196 |
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QQ-C-530 |
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| Bar |
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ASNA 3384 |
Airbus |
| Tube |
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AT (TF 00) |
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AMS 4535 |
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ASNA 6110 |
Airbus |
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ASTM B-643 |
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BMS 7-353 |
Boeing |
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MIL-H-7199 |
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DMS 1904 |
Boeing |
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DMS 2088 |
Boeing |
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| C72900 (Cu-15Ni-8Sn) |
| Rod |
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AT 90 |
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BMS 7-373 |
Boeing |
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AT 110 |
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AMS 4596 |
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ABS 5849 |
Airbus |
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BMS 7-373 |
Boeing |
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MTL 4112 |
Messier Dowty |
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TS 160 U |
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AMS 4597 |
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BMS 7-373 |
Boeing |
| Tube |
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AT 110 |
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AMS 4596 |
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ABS 5152 |
Airbus |
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BMS 7-373 |
Boeing |