Tellurium Copper Alloy 145 | Product Properties, Composition & Machinability

Tellurium copper C14500 stands as a unique solution to fabrication challenges that other alloys struggle to address satisfactorily. While its mechanical properties resemble those of unalloyed, pure copper, its impressive machinability rating of 85% far surpasses the 20% of unalloyed coppers. The alloy's secret lies in the precipitation of tellurium during the cooling process, forming fine dispersions within the Cu2Te intermetallic compound. This assists chip breakage during machining, resulting in short, brittle chips that easily free themselves from the tooling, allowing for rapid machining.

Beyond its remarkable machinability, C14500 also retains good corrosion resistance and exhibits excellent electrical conductivity. This combination of attributes makes C14500 a standout copper alloy, serving a wide range of industries by offering exceptional machining capabilities and reliable performance in challenging environments.

Characteristics

Hot Working

The hot workability of Copper Alloy 145 is notable, demanding only moderate power during the process. With a hot forgeability rating of 65 (closed die only), it falls slightly behind forging brass, which is arbitrarily rated at 100. However, this quality is precisely what makes it suitable for forming closed-die hot forged products that demand excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance. In its hard condition, this alloy retains its strength at higher temperatures compared to leaded coppers, enabling its use in relatively warmer environments. Additionally, it exhibits superior hot workability, allowing it to be readily shaped at temperatures higher than other free cutting coppers can tolerate.

Cold Working

Copper 145 also has good capacity for being cold worked though it offers slightly less ductility than pure copper for moderate cold heading capability.

Joining and Fabrication

Alloy C14500 is readily joined by brazing and soldering but has a fair rating for oxyacetylene and gas shielded arc welding, as well as resistance butt welding. Spot and seam resistance welding is not recommended.

Applications

Alloy C14500 is readily joined by brazing and soldering but has a fair rating for oxyacetylene and gas shielded arc welding, as well as resistance butt welding. Spot and seam resistance welding is not recommended.

Common applications of C14500 include transformer and circuit-breaker terminals, hot forged studs, nuts, and bolts, as well as current-carrying parts that require precise machine work and drilling. The alloy also finds use in welding torch tips and marine and domestic hardware. Its versatility and exceptional performance in various processes have established C14500 as a sought-after copper alloy in a range of industries.