Cell phones, home decor, electrical wiring, piping, hydraulic lines, and coins: what do all of these have in common?

Copper!

Copper is everywhere around us. It is a beautiful metal that’s not only pretty to look at, but has many functional applications as well. Widely available, inexpensive, and versatile in industrial applications as well as decorative, copper is a popular and attractive choice for all kinds of projects.

What Is Copper?

Copper is a reddish brown metal that is found in abundance all around the world, while the top three producers are Chile, Peru, and China. Historically, copper was the first metal to be worked by human hands. When we discovered that it could be hardened with tin to make bronze around 3000 BC, the Bronze Age was ushered in, changing the course of humanity.

What Is Copper Used For?

According to the Copper Development Association (CDA) there are four different areas of industry where copper is utilized:

• Electrical: 65%

• Construction: 25%

• Transport: 7%

• Other: 3%

As you can see the most common way we use copper today is in electrical applications, but there are many other important uses as well. 

Electrical Copper

Copper is used in virtually all electrical wiring (except for power lines, which are made with aluminum) because it is the second most electrically conductive metal aside from silver which is much more expensive. In addition to being widely available and inexpensive, it is malleable and easy to stretch out into very thin, flexible but strong wires, making it ideal to use in electrical infrastructure.

Aside from electrical wiring, copper is also used in heating elements, motors, renewable energy, internet lines, and electronics.

Copper for Construction, Piping, & Design

Copper has been used as construction material for centuries. It develops a characteristic beautiful green patina, or verdigris, that was highly desired in certain architectural styles, and still is to this day. Copper is still used today in architecture due to its corrosion resistance, easy workability, and attractiveness; copper sheets make a beautiful roofing material and other exterior features on buildings.

On the interior, copper is used in door handles, trim, vents, railings, kitchen appliances and cookware, lighting fixtures, and more.

Because copper has antimicrobial and antiviral properties (it’s ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens), copper has become a standard for potable water piping in the developed world. Other properties that make copper ideal for piping systems include its malleability and resistance to heat and corrosion. It’s commonly used in distillation, pharmaceutical production, and other highly specialized applications.

Use of Copper in Transportation

Aside from the copper wiring used in the electrical components of modern cars, copper and brass have been the industry standard for oil coolers and radiators since the 1970s. Alloys that include copper are used in the locomotive and aerospace industries as well. As demand for electric cars and other forms of transportation increases, demand for copper components also increases.

Other Copper Uses

Because copper is a beautiful, easily worked material, it is used in art such as copper sheet metal sculptures, jewelry, signage, musical instruments, cookware, and more. The Statue of Liberty, is plated with more than 80 tons of copper, which gives her the characteristic pale green patina. Due to its antimicrobial properties, copper is also starting to gain popularity for high-touch items such as faucets, doorknobs, latches, railings, counters, hooks, handles, and other public surfaces that tend to gather a lot of germs.

Conclusion

As we’ve learned, copper is a useful metal that hides in many of the things we use on a daily basis. It’s uniqueness and versatility make it a fun material to work with, and its beautiful color gives any project that includes copper a high end touch. 

Could copper be the right choice for your next metal fabrication project? We at Sattler Manufacturing are metal fabrication experts with over 40 years of experience, and we are ready to answer any questions you have. Contact us today for a quote or to chat with an expert!