Copper is one of the most expensive metals on the market, and prices are continuing to increase. However, there’s a vast discrepancy when it comes to different types of copper. Some types are considered cleaner and more pure and are more expensive as a result. Different types of copper are also better suited for certain applications than others. It’s important to understand these differences so that you can choose the copper quality that’s right for your job.
If you are looking for a trusted copper supplier in El Paso, Chaparral Steel is the team to call. Contact us online or call (575) 824-7796 today.
Different Types of Copper
There are many different types of copper with many qualities. Here are some of the products available at an El Paso copper supplier:
Seamless Copper
Seamless is one of the purest forms of copper and is manufactured to ASTM B42 standards. It’s a very widely used type of copper, thanks to its purity, which makes it resistant to corrosion.
Seamless Red Brass Copper
Seamless red brass copper is manufactured to ASTM B43 standards and is not quite as pure as seamless. However, it’s pure enough to be widely used in plumbing, HVAC, and other residential applications.
Seamless Bright Annealed Copper
Coming in at ASTM B68 standards, seamless bright annealed copper is another popular option. As with regular seamless copper, seamless bright annealed is almost completely pure. It’s most widely used in oil and gas applications.
Seamless Copper Tube
Seamless copper tube is manufactured to ASMT B75 standards and is extremely versatile. It’s available in numerous shapes and sizes and serves many purposes.
Seamless Brass Tube
Although it’s seamless, brass tube isn’t as pure as seamless copper. It’s manufactured to ASTM B135 standards and can be anywhere from 60% to 90% copper, with the remainder being zinc, tin, lead, and other metals.
Seamless Copper Water Tube
As with other types of seamless copper, seamless copper water tube is nearly pure copper, coming in at 99.9% pure copper and silver. It’s manufactured to ASTM B88 standards and is often used in marine and water applications.
Many More
In addition to these copper options, there are many other types of copper. Each type has its own ASTM classification for purity and serves numerous purposes.
Applications For Copper Tubing
Here are some of the different ways to use the different qualities of copper:
- Automotive
Copper tubing is used in the production of brakes, radiators, heat exchangers, and more.
- HVAC
Copper is used for the refrigeration lines on air conditioners and heat pumps.
- Electrical
Modern electrical wiring consists of copper covered in a protective sheathing.
- Music
A wide range of musical instruments and the wires for guitar, violin, and similar stringed instruments consists of copper.
- Marine
Because of its corrosion resistance, copper is used on boats and in other marine settings.
Quality Copper From a Quality Copper Supplier in El Paso
For the best copper from the best copper supplier in the Southwest, look no further than Chaparral Steel Supply. We carry several different types of copper tubing and piping to meet a wide range of needs. Call (575) 824-7796 today.
