Polishing (improvement of appearance and contact surface)
Suitable for appearance surfaces and functional contact surfaces; it can reduce surface roughness, improve texture, and facilitate subsequent plating consistency.
Copper (sheet metal fabrication)
Copper (sheet metal fabrication) is documented with typical properties, suitable applications, finishing options, and design guidance for Sheet Metal Fabrication.
Quote checklist: Upload your 3D model and, when available, a 2D drawing. Identify the required process, material, quantity, critical dimensions, finish, appearance standard, and target delivery date.
Key Material and Manufacturing Parameters
Engineering note: Values below are typical reference ranges. Final manufacturability, tolerances, material condition, surface finish, cost, and lead time depend on the drawing, geometry, quantity, and selected process.
Upload CAD files and mark critical features for an engineering review before production.
| Process | Sheet metal fabrication (cutting/bending/punching/riveting, etc.) |
|---|---|
| Material | Red copper (high electrical conductivity/high thermal conductivity; easy to oxidize and discolor, it is recommended to choose an anti-oxidation or electroplating solution according to the use) |
| Accuracy | ±0.2 mm (General reference; it is recommended to provide 2D markings and tolerance requirements for key hole positions/fitting dimensions) |
| Recommended minimum thickness | 1.0mm (more conducive to bending stability and assembly strength; if it is thinner, please note the use and deformation tolerance) |
| Service temperature | 300–600℃ (reference range; related to working environment/connection method) |
| Tensile strength | 450–1100MPa (Platform reference range; different states vary greatly, please consult an engineer if you need to specify indicators) |
| Density | 7.7–8.5 g/cm³ |
| Bending recommendations | It is recommended that the inner bending radius R ≥ 1.0×plate thickness; if there are dense holes and grooves near the bending line, please give priority to DFM review |
| Hole Slot Recommendations | The distance from the hole to the bent edge is recommended to be ≥ 2.0×plate thickness; it is recommended to add rounded corners to long slots/narrow bridges to avoid stress concentration. |
| Burrs and edges | Deburring is performed by default; "chamfering/sharp removal standards" can be noted on the conductive contact surface to reduce assembly scratches and contact instability. |
| Finishing | Polishing, tin plating, nickel plating, anti-oxidation treatment, laser engraving |
| Typical lead time | Related to thickness, structural complexity, quantity and finishing; clear delivery and expedited options will be given after uploading the file |
Finishing
Tin plating (improved electrical conductivity and solderability)
Commonly used in conductive connections and welding scenarios; it can improve oxidation resistance and welding friendliness, and is suitable for connector/terminal structures.
Nickel plating (wear-resistant and stable appearance)
Improves surface hardness and wear resistance, while improving oxidation resistance and appearance consistency; suitable for parts that require higher surface stability.
Anti-oxidation treatment (control discoloration and contact risk)
Copper is prone to oxidation and discoloration; if you are sensitive to appearance consistency/contact resistance, it is recommended to choose an anti-oxidation solution and clarify storage and packaging requirements.
Laser engraving (identification and traceability)
Suitable for numbering, logo, batch traceability and installation direction marking; it is recommended to provide vector files and location and size instructions.
Why choose copper (sheet metal fabrication)
High electrical conductivity / high thermal conductivity
It is suitable for plate structural parts related to conductive connection, grounding, shielding and heat dissipation. It is a typical material selection for electrical sheet metal.
Clear molding path
The process route of cutting + bending + punching/riveting is mature, which is convenient for quick prototyping and small batch repurchase.
Controllable surface plan
The appearance and contact performance can be controlled through polishing, tin plating, nickel plating and anti-oxidation treatment to reduce the uncertainty caused by oxidation.
Identification and traceability friendly
Supports laser engraving; more friendly to assembly direction, batch traceability and maintenance identification.
Recommended Applications
- conductive/carrying current/grounding: Connecting pieces, terminal structures, grounding pieces, contact pieces, etc.
- Shielding and electrical construction: EMI shielding cover, partial shielding structure of the chassis
- Heat dissipation related: Plate parts or structural parts that require high thermal conductivity
- Appearance can be improved: Requires polishing or electroplating to obtain more stable texture and consistency
Consider Another Material or Process
- Strength/stiffness takes precedence: If structural strength is the core, the most common and more economical solution is carbon steel/stainless steel/aluminum alloy
- High wear-resistant friction pair: Long-term friction/wear scenarios suggest evaluating more wear-resistant materials or surface strengthening solutions
- Extremely sensitive to discoloration but no surface treatment: Copper is easy to oxidize. If you cannot accept the change in appearance, you need to choose anti-oxidation/electroplating or material modification.
- Strongly corrosive environment: It is necessary to evaluate the medium and select more corrosion-resistant materials and surface solutions if necessary.
Design and DFM Guidelines
- Bending radius and risk of cracking: It is recommended that the inner bending radius R ≥ 1.0 × plate thickness; please note in advance when bending hard/thick plates, we will evaluate the expansion and springback.
- Distance from hole slot to bending edge: It is recommended that the distance from the hole to the bending edge should be ≥ 2.0 × plate thickness; holes/slots close to the bending line are prone to deformation or cracking, and the structure or process sequence should be changed if necessary.
- Conductive contact surface definition: If stable contact resistance is required, please mark the contact surface and clarify whether spray coating/oxidation film is allowed; anti-oxidation or electroplating solutions are recommended.
- Edges and burrs: It is recommended to control deburring and chamfering standards for conductive parts to avoid assembly scratches, burr short circuits or unstable contact.
- Plating and Consistency: If you want to plate tin/nickel, please clearly identify the appearance surface, shielding surface and assembly area; it is recommended that the laser engraving position avoid strong friction contact surfaces.