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Copper vs Aluminum: When to Specify Which Non-Ferrous Metal
Copper vs Aluminum: When to Specify Which Non-Ferrous Metal
Buyers comparing copper and aluminum usually focus on price — copper is roughly three times the price of aluminum per kilogram. That comparison is misleading because the two metals do different jobs. Copper’s combination of electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance is unmatched; aluminum’s combination of light weight, low cost and formability is equally unmatched. This guide explains where each belongs.
Electrical Applications
Copper is the global standard for electrical wire, busbar and transformer windings. It has ~ 59.6 × 10⁶ S/m conductivity, slightly better than aluminum’s ~ 37.7 × 10⁶ S/m, and — more importantly — it does not creep under compression, so connections stay tight for decades. Aluminum is used for overhead transmission lines (where its light weight wins), but indoor wiring and busbar are almost always copper. Our copper range covers strip, 皿, round bar and tube in C11000 / C12200 grades, produced to ASTM B152 / B187 / B280 — tell us the application and we will quote the right section.
Thermal Applications
For heat exchangers, radiators and HVAC coils, copper still leads because of its thermal conductivity (401 W/m·K vs aluminum’s 205 W/m・K) and because it can be brazed reliably. Aluminum is used in automotive radiators where light weight wins, and in air conditioner evaporator fins. For industrial process heat where reliability matters, copper tube is the default.
Structural and Weight-Sensitive Jobs
This is where aluminum wins decisively. At one-third the density of steel and half the density of copper, aluminum is the only sensible choice for aircraft, rail car bodies, ship superstructure, automotive panels and architectural facades. Our aluminum range covers 6061 T6 plate, 5083 marine plate, 6061 round bar と 6063 tube.
Corrosion and Aesthetics
Copper develops a green patina (copper carbonate) outdoors. That patina is protective and is often the desired look — cathedral roofs, facade cladding and statues are copper because it ages beautifully. Aluminum corrodes to a dull white oxide; it needs anodizing or painting for a bright exterior finish. Stainless steel is a third option when neither fits the brief.
| 財産 | 銅 | アルミニウム |
|---|---|---|
| 密度 | ~ 8.9 g/cm3 | ~ 2.7 g/cm3 |
| Conductivity | 59.6 × 10⁶ S/m | 37.7 × 10⁶ S/m |
| Thermal cond. | 401 W/m・K | 205 W/m・K |
| Relative cost | 高い | Medium |
| Best for | Electrical, heat transfer | Structural, weight-sensitive |
Bottom Line
Choose copper when electricity or heat flow is the job. Choose aluminum when weight or cost is the job. If you are choosing “non-ferrous” by habit, you are probably overpaying. Tell us the application and we will suggest the right metal and section.
