Ask a supplier for pure copper, and you could receive either of two very different materials. Copper 101 and copper 110<\/b> look identical, bend similarly, and perform very similarly under current. Even so, they are not interchangeable.<\/p>\n
Copper 101 is the shorthand designation for UNS C10100, an oxygen-free electronic (OFE) grade. Copper 110 refers to UNS C11000, known as electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper. The difference is tiny on paper but huge in price and performance.<\/p>\n
This guide addresses the Copper 101 vs Copper 110<\/strong> question with a simple answer. At the end, you’ll come to understand your project’s grade and when it doesn’t make sense to pay extra for purity.<\/p>\n Key Takeaways<\/b><\/p>\n Copper 101<\/b> is among the purest commercial coppers available. It holds a minimum of 99.99% copper, and its oxygen content stays at or below 0.0005%, or 5 ppm.<\/p>\n It is produced in a tightly controlled oxygen-free environment. That process removes the oxides that may form at grain boundaries and cause issues in critical service.<\/p>\n It is also available with a minimum conductivity of 101% IACS, per standard supplier datasheets.<\/p>\n Copper 110<\/b> is the common workhorse of the copper family. It is at least 99.90% copper, and the oxygen concentration is usually 200-500 ppm.<\/p>\n That small amount of oxygen is deliberate. It makes the metal tougher and easier to cast, and it’s less expensive to manufacture than oxygen-free grades.<\/p>\n The minimum conductivity is 100% IACS, and more C11000 is sold today at or above 101%. Both grades are covered by standard ASTM and UNS specifications.<\/p>\n The table below sums up the main points.<\/p>\n\n
What Is Copper 101 (C10100)?<\/h2>\n
What Is Copper 110 (C11000)?<\/h2>\n
Copper 101 vs. Copper 110 Difference at a Glance<\/h2>\n