Among countless different metals, each with their own properties, copper is of particular use in sheet metal fabrication. This is not because of one particular advantage but because of its broad range of practical benefits.
Durability
The properties of copper include corrosion resistance, low creep rate and resistance to temperature fluctuations. This means it remains strong in the face of chemicals, mechanical stress and heat. It also means relatively low maintenance costs.
Conductivity
Copper is an excellent conductor of both heat and electricity, allowing everything from radiators to circuit boards to work more efficiently.
Safety
Most jurisdictions and industries approve copper’s safety under their regulatory standards. It is also a safe choice for hospital equipment, because the non-magnetic surface can be used near MRIs and because of its antimicrobial nature. It is also suitable for underwater construction because it resists biofouling or the growth of underwater organisms.
Flexibility
This refers to the ability to use copper in a range of sheet metal applications, as can be seen at https://dkmsheetmetal.co.uk, but also to the literal physical flexibility of the metal, which can easily be bent and shaped, even for delicate creations such as wires.
Ease of Use
You can solder and weld copper to create sturdy joints with ease. It is also highly malleable and therefore easy to work with.
Compatibility
If you want to combine the properties of copper with another metal, you can create a range of alloys, such as bronze and brass. It can take on some properties of tin or zinc respectively.
Recyclable
Used copper can be remade, with the metal successfully maintaining its original properties. This makes it a sustainable option.
Aesthetics
The warm, rich colour of copper is pleasing to the eye, as is the patina it gains as it ages. Its ability to be polished to a highly reflective surface is also aesthetically pleasant as well as improving heat control properties.
There are many circumstances where you may want to utilise copper as your metal of choice because it has so many different desirable properties.
