C16500 Cadmium Tin Copper (CDA 165) wire
C16500 is a cadmium-tin copper alloy known for its exceptional combination of high tensile strength, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Its nominal composition is Cu 99.8%, Cd 0.6–1.0%, Sn 0.5–0.7%, Fe ≤0.02% . This alloy exhibits excellent cold and hot workability, making it suitable for demanding electrical and industrial applications.
Parameter
Chemical Composition
Mechanical Properties

Dimensional Specifications for C16500 Copper Wire
C16500 wire is typically produced in round shapes with dimensional ranges governed by international standards. Key specifications include:

ParameterRangeSource
Diameter (round wire)0.05 mm – 13.0 mmChinese National Standard (GB/T)
Common industrial sizes0.5 mm – 5.0 mm (ductility-tested range)BS EN 13602:2013
Precision tolerance±0.0001" (for <0.254 mm) or ±1% (≥0.254 mm)ASTM B3-95

Relevant International Standards
C16500 wire adheres to the following standards for dimensional and mechanical compliance:

  1. BS EN 13602:2013: Specifies diameter tolerances and ductility requirements for drawn copper wires, applicable to C16500 in round forms .
  2. ASTM B3-95: Covers soft/annealed copper wire tolerances, though primarily for pure copper; C16500 may follow similar guidelines for diameter and resistivity .
  3. GB/T (China): Defines round wire dimensions (0.05–13.0 mm) and testing protocols, widely referenced in Asia .

Gaps in ASTM/ISO Direct References:

  • No dedicated ASTM standard exists for C16500, but its properties align with SAE J461 (for cadmium copper alloys like C16200) .
  • ISO standards (e.g., ISO 4744) focus on compositional analysis but not dimensional specs .



Detailed Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties of C16500 Copper (Cadmium Tin Copper)

1. Chemical Composition

C16500 is a high-copper alloy primarily composed of copper (Cu) with controlled additions of cadmium (Cd), tin (Sn), and trace amounts of iron (Fe). The precise composition ranges are as follows:

ElementComposition Range (%)
Copper (Cu)≥ 99.8
Cadmium (Cd)0.6 – 1.0
Tin (Sn)0.5 – 0.7
Iron (Fe)≤ 0.02

This alloy falls under the category of wrought copper-cadmium-tin alloys, optimized for high conductivity and mechanical strength.

Key Notes on Composition:

  • Cadmium enhances thermal stability, arc erosion resistance, and work-hardening capacity without significantly compromising electrical conductivity .
  • Tin improves hardness and wear resistance, making the alloy suitable for high-stress applications like welding electrodes .
  • Iron is limited to ≤0.02% to avoid adverse effects on ductility and conductivity .





Mechanical Properties

C16500 exhibits a unique balance of high tensile strength, good ductility, and excellent electrical conductivity, making it ideal for demanding electrical and industrial applications.

Typical Mechanical Properties:
PropertyValue/Description
Tensile Strength350 – 450 MPa (50 – 65 ksi)*
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)250 – 350 MPa (36 – 51 ksi)*
Elongation (in 50 mm)10 – 20% (varies with temper and cold work)
Hardness80 – 100 HRB (Rockwell B)
Density8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³) at 20°C (68°F)
Electrical Conductivity85 – 90% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard)

Note: Mechanical properties are highly dependent on processing conditions (e.g., cold working, annealing). For example:

  • Cold-worked states (e.g., temper AT or HM) exhibit higher strength and lower ductility.
  • Annealed states prioritize ductility and conductivity .
Key Advantages:
  1. Thermal Stability: Retains strength at elevated temperatures due to cadmium oxide formation during arcing .
  2. Workability: Excellent cold and hot forming properties, suitable for complex shapes (e.g., springs, clips) .
  3. Corrosion Resistance: Performs well in industrial and marine environments .
INTRODUCTION

C16500 copper wire is a cadmium copper alloy. The production process and product advantages are as follows:


Production process

Raw material preparation

Using low-oxygen copper rod (such as D80mm specification) as raw material, it has the characteristics of bright surface, good tensile performance, and stable oxygen content.


Stretching and lubrication


The copper rod is first treated with emulsion to reduce friction and heat during the stretching process.

Use a large drawing machine for initial stretching, followed by multiple stretching such as medium and small stretching to gradually reduce the wire diameter.


3. Annealing treatment


The stretched copper wire enters the annealing furnace to eliminate work hardening and adjust the mechanical properties. The annealing temperature needs to be precisely controlled to avoid performance damage during secondary heating.

Tube annealing or continuous annealing process can improve the ductility and conductivity of the wire.

Winding and inspection

The annealed copper wire is wound by a stranding machine and quality inspected. Unqualified products are returned to the melting section for reprocessing, and qualified products enter subsequent processing.

Tin plating (such as adding flux and tin) is required in some processes to improve welding performance, but this step may be adjusted according to specific needs.


5. Finished product processing


The wire diameter is further refined by a multi-head wire drawing machine, and finally packaged into a roll by an automatic film winding machine.

The entire process needs to control waste gas (such as organic waste gas, particulate matter) and noise pollution, and measures such as spray towers and activated carbon adsorption are used to treat them.

Product advantages

High conductivity and thermal conductivity

The addition of cadmium (Cd) and trace tin (Sn) improves mechanical properties while ensuring conductivity (close to the level of pure copper), which is suitable for electrical connectors, resistance welding electrodes and other scenarios.


Excellent mechanical properties


High tensile strength: excellent cold/hot processing performance, suitable for high-strength springs, wire clamps and other precision parts.

Wear and creep resistance: excellent friction reduction and corrosion resistance, extending service life.

Wide processing adaptability


Supports a variety of forming processes such as stretching, stamping, and twisting to meet the needs of complex parts.

The surface quality is stable and the oxygen content is strictly controlled (such as the oxygen content of low-oxygen copper rod is ≤0.08%) to ensure the uniformity of the wire.

Environmental protection and economy

The production line has a high degree of automation and significant smelting efficiency (it only takes 1 hour from cold furnace opening to copper liquid), which reduces energy consumption.

Cadmium copper alloy has a low density (0.321 lb/in³), and the material utilization rate is higher per unit weight.

FAQ

Q1:Do you provide samples? Is it free or extra?
A1:Yes, we can provide samples free of charge and the customer will pay the freight.
Q2:What if I don't have export experience ?
A2:We have reliable forwarder agent which can ship items to you by sea/air/Express to your doorstep. Any way, we will help you choose the most suitable shipping service.
Q3:How long is your lead time?
A3:If it is in stock, it is usually 5-10 days. Or, if there is no inventory, 15 days, depending on the quantity.
Q4:What are your terms of payment?
A4:30% T/T deposit in advance, 70% T/T balance within 5 days after B/L copy, 100%.Irrevocable L/C at sight, 100% Irrevocable L/C after receive B/L 30-120 days, O/A.
Q5:How is your technical support?
A5:We provide lifetime online support through Whatsapp/ Skype/ Wechat/ Email. Any problem after delivery, we will offer you call anytime.

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