Copper Sheet

Natural Copper Sheet Metal

Grades 

We offer two grades of copper sheet: C106 and C101. The thickness determines the grade.  

C101 is available in 2.0mm and 3.0mm thickness.  

C106 comes in various thicknesses: 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm, 1.2mm, and 1.5mm.

Our standard sheet sizes reach up to 3000mm x 1000mm and 8ft x 4ft (2438mm x 1219mm), with custom sizes available. We also offer CNC shape cutting, fabrication, welding, bronzed, and aged patina applications. Grade C106 is a general-purpose phosphorus-deoxidized copper.

Fabrication 

Our copper sheets exhibit excellent appearance and are suitable for cold working, fabrication, welding, and soldering. C106 is slightly easier to bend than C101, which has more springiness.

Copper sheets up to 0.9mm thick can be cut by hand with tin snips. For beaten copper work, we recommend choosing a thickness of 0.7mm or less. We also supply a lead-free tin/silver pre-fluxed solder ideal for use with copper. Additionally, our C106 copper can be used as anodes for copper plating.

Condition 

One side of the copper sheet is coated with a protective film to minimize scuffs and scratches during handling. The reverse side may have some scuffing caused during the cutting process when large sheets are slid into a mechanical guillotine. The plastic film should peel off easily, revealing the underlying copper. While occasional scuffs may occur under the film, we take great care to minimize this by handling full-size sheets carefully during processing.

Finishing 

Scuffs or scratches can be removed post-processing using an orbital sander with Scotch-Brite conditioning pads, which are available in various grades.

Variation & Aging  

The natural colour of the copper sheets may vary slightly between batches and manufacturers. To match the colour of your specific needs, please place a special order with our sales team. When left uncoated indoors, copper naturally darkens due to exposure to moisture and oxygen, a process that accelerates outdoors. It changes through various shades from brown to black and eventually develops a green patina (verdigris) after about 10 years. This characteristic reaction gives copper its distinct appeal.

For a copper appearance that remains unchanged, consider faux copper sheet products.

Antimicrobial Properties  

Copper possesses natural antimicrobial properties, effectively inhibiting the growth of viruses and bacteria, including threats such as COVID-19 and MRSA.

Tarnish Removal

Tarnish can be easily removed using a range of proprietary cleaners. We recommend using Bar Keepers Friend, which is readily available on Amazon.

Uses  

Grade C106 is widely used in architecture, general engineering, craftwork, and particularly in chemical applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance. It is tough, malleable, and ductile. Grade C101 is classified as electrolytic tough-pitch copper, making it suitable for electrical applications and welding.

Patinating  

For those interested in patinas, we recommend the book "The Colouring, Bronzing and Patination of Metals: A Manual for Fine Metalworkers, Sculptors, and Designers," available on Amazon.

Copper Mining

Copper is sourced from mined ore, primarily from major producers such as Chile and Peru, with emerging developments in Mongolia and significant deposits in Russia. Producing one tonne of copper requires approximately ten tonnes of ore.

Due to increasing demand driven by the green revolution, the price of copper is currently high and expected to rise further. As prices increase, the extraction of copper ore from ocean ridges may become feasible, with significant deposits observed off the coast of Fiji, raising environmental concerns.

For more information about copper, please refer to Wikipedia.

We also sell natural copper strips