Copper wire is used in a wide range of applications because copper is a good conductor of electricity. Copper wire has been used since the 1820’s, when some of the first technologies requiring electrical conductivity were developed. Copper is the ideal material for many applications requiring electrical conductivity because the metal requires less insulation than other conductive materials and it can be stretched more effectively. There are many different kinds of copper wire, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Each different type of copper wire holds different values, meaning they are worth different amounts to scrap metal recycling facilities. In this article, we’ll talk about seven of the common copper wire types and what they’re used for!

Copper Alloy Wire

When greater strengths or better abrasion and corrosion resistance are needed, copper alloy wires are preferable over pure copper. Copper alloy is available in both customized and standard form factors. The disadvantage of copper alloy wire is that it has  lower electrical conductivities.

Beryllium Copper Wire

Benefits of beryllium copper wire include good strength, high electrical conductivity, and high thermal conductivity. Beryllium copper wire is non-magnetic and it can be heat-treated for additional hardness. This type of copper wire is one of the most preferred varieties for electrical applications.

Titanium Clad Copper Wire

Titanium clad copper wire is an alloyed copper wire with good corrosion resistance, excellent weldability, highly ductile, and is ideal for applications that require the wire to be formed or shaped. These properties make titanium clad copper wire ideal for uses in water treatment, chemical processing, and power generation applications.

Oxygen-Free Highly Conductive Copper (OFHC) Wire

Oxygen-free highly conductive copper wire is a refined, high-quality form of wire that is melted and cast under well-regulated circumstances to lower the amount of oxygen to 0.001% or below. Oxygen-free highly conductive copper wire has higher thermal and electrical conductivity than other forms of copper wire, making it ideal for applications that require high durability and accuracy.

Copper Nickel & Nickel Plated Copper Wire

Copper nickel and nickel plated copper wire have excellent corrosion resistance and are highly durable & stable at extreme temperatures. Because these types of copper wire perform well under extreme conditions, they are typically used in products for aerospace, military, and industrial/heating applications.

Copper Clad Steel (CCS) Wire  

Copper clad steel wire has a steel core and copper outer layer, making it have a high tensile strength while also being highly conductive. Copper clad steel wire is used in a wide range of applications and industries, including medical, power supply, hardware, motors, pressure, and temperature measuring products.

Copper Clad Aluminum Wire

Copper clad aluminum wire is less expensive and lighter than pure copper wire, but it is stronger and more conductive than aluminum. Copper clad aluminum wire is used in voice coils, RF antennas, cable TV distribution cables, power cables, electrical wiring, and much more.

Contact Middleboro Recycling!

If you have any questions about copper wire or are interested in selling scrap metal in Southeastern Massachusetts, please don’t hesitate to contact Middleboro Recycling Center! Give us a call at (508) 946-2383 or fill out the contact form on our website! If you’re wondering what your scrap metal is worth, check out the pricing page on our website!