Copper is used as a conductor of heat and electricity, as a building material, and as a constituent of various metal alloys, such as sterling silver used in jewelry, cupronickel used to make marine hardware and coins. It is available in a wide range of sizes and shapes and can be bought in everything from wire and tubing to sheets and foil. The most common grades of copper are Grade A, B, C, and D, also known as Grade 1 through 4.
Continue below to learn details about each grade of copper, plus the top reasons why you should recycle all scrap copper on hand.
Fundamental Copper Facts
Copper is a versatile metal that can be used in a variety of applications. It is an excellent electrical conductor, making it ideal for electrical wiring. It is also resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for plumbing and other water-based applications. Because of its unique properties, copper has been used for thousands of years in a variety of applications. Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a pinkish-orange color.
4 Main Types of Copper
There are four primary grades of commercial copper grades on the market today. They’re all usable for a variety of applications, but each has its own set of characteristics that make it ideal for specific tasks.
Grade 1 (A) Copper is the highest quality copper. It’s 99.9% pure, and is used in electrical applications where high conductivity is required.
Grade 2 (B) Copper is 99% pure, and is used in applications where a higher level of ductility is needed.
Grade 3 (C) Copper is 97% pure, and is used in general engineering applications.
Grade 4 (D) Copper is 95% pure, and is the most common type of commercial copper.
Grades of Scrap Copper
There are three primary grades of recyclable copper: scrap, virgin, and oxide. Scrap copper includes everything from electrical wiring to plumbing pipes. Virgin copper is mined directly from the earth. Oxide copper is a byproduct of mining and smelting operations.
Scrap copper is the most common type of recycled copper. It can be reused in a variety of applications. Electrical wiring is the most common use for scrap copper. Plumbing pipes, gutters, and roofing material can also be made from scrap copper.
Virgin copper is mined directly from the earth. This copper is often used in electrical wiring and plumbing applications. Virgin copper is also used in the production of coins, jewelry, and other decorative items.
Oxide copper is a byproduct of mining and smelting operations. This copper is often used in electrical applications. Oxide copper can also be used in the production of coins, jewelry, and other decorative items.
Scrap Copper Recycling
Copper can be recycled indefinitely without losing any of its properties. In fact, recycling copper uses less energy than mining and processing new copper. Copper recycling is a great way to conserve this valuable resource.
Are you looking for a trusted metal recycling center that will process scrap copper responsibly? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including copper wire, appliances, electronics, and junk cars.
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