Many customers ask: What's the difference between TU oxygen-free copper and T pure copper for copper plates? How does oxygen content impact performance? Let's clarify everything today👇
What is oxygen content?
The amount of oxygen present in copper; lower oxygen levels mean higher purity.
🔹 Effects of high oxygen content:
→ Reduced electrical conductivity, increased resistance, and higher heat generation
→ Prone to hydrogen embrittlement during welding, leading to weld cracking
→ Internal porosity and pinholes may form, reducing yield rate
→ Increased risk of cracking during processing, with reduced ductility
🔹 Oxygen content by grade:
→ TU00: ≤0.001% - highest purity, best conductivity
→ TU1/TU2: ≤0.002%/0.003% - high conductivity, suitable for vacuum welding without hydrogen embrittlement
→ T1/T2: ≤0.02%/0.05% - general-purpose conductivity, excellent cost-performance ratio
→ TP1/TP2: Phosphorus deoxidized, offers good weldability
✅ Summary: Choose TU oxygen-free copper for high-end conductivity and vacuum welding; opt for T2 for general applications.