Premium precision-extruded Tellurium Copper alloys specifically engineered for demanding electrical, thermal, and high-speed CNC turning applications in the Chipata market and across Africa.
engineered C14500 alloy optimized for high-power electrical distribution, high-amperage breakers, and thermal heat sinks across regional industrial projects.
View Product Technical Specs
Ultra-pure hydrogen-embrittlement-free OFT copper alloy delivering up to 98% IACS electrical conductivity for precision electronic sensors and agricultural automation.
View Product Technical Specs
Featuring a 85% machinability rating, these Tellurium copper extrusions eliminate tool wear during rapid CNC machining of intricate terminal pins and connectors.
View Product Technical Specs
Industrial grade C14500 tellurium copper manufactured under strict ISO9001:2015 standards, serving as the gold standard for welding torch tips and arc erosion resistance.
View Product Technical SpecsAn in-depth evaluation of how micro-alloying pure copper with Tellurium achieves optimal balances between high electrical conductivity, thermal performance, and free-cutting characteristics.
Tellurium copper (UNS C14500) contains approximately 0.40% to 0.70% Tellurium (Te) and 0.004% to 0.012% Phosphorus (P), with the balance being pure copper. Because Tellurium exhibits extremely low solid solubility in copper, it precipitates out as discrete, fine copper telluride (Cu₂Te) intermetallic phases dispersed homogeneously throughout the alpha-copper matrix.
During machining, these microscopic Cu₂Te inclusions act as natural chip breakers. Instead of forming long, stringy chips characteristic of pure Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) copper C11000, C14500 produces short, manageable chips. This dramatically lowers the friction coefficient at the tool-chip interface, extending cutting tool life by up to 300% and raising the machinability index to 85% relative to free-cutting brass C36000 (100%).
In traditional metallurgy, adding alloying elements to copper causes severe electron scattering and drastically degrades electrical conductivity (%IACS). However, because Tellurium remains insoluble in the copper lattice as Cu₂Te particles, it causes minimal distortion to the copper matrix crystal lattice.
As a result, Kepai’s Oxygen-Free Tellurium Copper (OFT) retains an exceptional electrical conductivity of 93% to 98% IACS and a thermal conductivity exceeding 355 W/(m·K). This unique duality enables engineers in Chipata and across international manufacturing centers to produce high-density electrical contacts that operate with minimal thermal losses under continuous heavy amperage.
Comprehensive benchmark comparing Kepai Tellurium Copper C14500/OFT against alternative high-copper and brass alloys.
| Alloy Grade & Designation | Composition (%) | Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | Machinability Rating (%) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Primary Industrial Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kepai C14500 (TeCu) | Te: 0.40–0.70, P: 0.004–0.012, Cu: Rem. | 93% – 96% | 355 | 85% | 340 – 480 | Plasma Cutting Electrodes, EV High-Voltage Terminals, Power Switchgear |
| Kepai OFT (Oxygen-Free TeCu) | Te: 0.40–0.70, O₂ < 10ppm, Cu: Rem. | 95% – 98% | 370 | 85% | 350 – 490 | Hydrogen-Safe Power Connectors, Precision Avionics, High-Vacuum Electronics |
| C11000 (Pure ETP Copper) | Cu: 99.90, O₂: 0.02–0.04 | 100% | 388 | 20% (Sticky/Gummy) | 220 – 380 | Busbars, Electrical Wiring, Transformer Windings |
| C36000 (Free-Cutting Lead Brass) | Cu: 61.5, Pb: 3.1, Zn: Rem. | 26% | 115 | 100% (Benchmark) | 390 – 550 | Plumbing Fittings, Hardware Screws, Non-Electrical Fasteners |
| C17200 (Beryllium Copper) | Be: 1.80–2.00, Co+Ni: 0.20, Cu: Rem. | 22% – 28% | 105 | 50% | 1100 – 1400 | High-Stress Springs, Non-Sparking Safety Tools, Aerospace Bushings |
Analyzing the strategic position of Chipata as Eastern Zambia's premier logistics, agricultural processing, and grid expansion corridor driving high-performance copper alloy consumption.
Situated as the administrative capital of Zambia’s Eastern Province and neighboring Malawi via the Mchinji border post, Chipata serves as a major trade highway. The expansion of transportation infrastructure, regional maintenance depots, and railway connections demands durable, arc-resistant electrical connectors and heavy-duty battery switching terminals capable of enduring rugged tropical environments.
With Zambia and the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) investing aggressively in rural electrification and grid modernization, sub-stations around Chipata require premium conductivity material. Kepai’s C14500 Tellurium Copper rods provide the ideal raw stock for localized machining of high-amperage circuit disconnects, transformers, and distribution switch contacts.
Agriculture forms the backbone of Chipata’s commercial ecosystem. The transition toward solar-powered irrigation pumps, off-grid Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and automated crop processing facilities demands copper components that withstand thermal oxidation and high moisture. Tellurium copper’s superior heat dissipation prevents power loss and equipment overheating.
How international environmental directives, new energy vehicle proliferation, and high-speed CNC automation redefine non-ferrous metal procurement.
Global environmental regulations such as European Union RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH strictly regulate lead content in electrical hardware. Traditional free-cutting brass (C36000) containing up to 3.7% lead faces widespread bans in potable water, medical devices, and electronics. Tellurium copper C14500 provides a 100% lead-free alternative that matches high machinability while increasing electrical conductivity from 26% IACS to over 93% IACS.
As high-power Electric Vehicle (EV) fast-chargers push voltage architecture to 800V and current capacity above 300A, traditional contacts overheat rapidly. C14500 Tellurium Copper has become the mandatory standard for high-voltage EV charge-gun pins. Furthermore, in CNC metal fabrication plants across Chipata and global industrial hubs, C14500 is used exclusively for plasma cutting torch nozzles due to its exceptional resistance to electric arc erosion and high thermal transfer rates.
Established in May 2017, Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the independent R&D, precision extrusion, and global distribution of high-conductivity, high-strength free-cutting tellurium copper and custom copper alloy materials.
Operating from a state-of-the-art 29,000 square meter manufacturing facility, Kepai holds over 30 core invention patents and maintains complete quality compliance with international certifications including ISO9001:2015, ISO14001:2015, and OHSAS 45001:2018. Our engineering teams spearhead standard formulation across non-ferrous metal industries, guaranteeing that clients in Chipata receive metallurgical products exceeding international ASTM, BS, and DIN standards.
Connect with Our Engineering Directors
Explore our full line of specialized non-ferrous copper alloys, ranging from Oxygen-Free Tellurium Copper to high-elasticity Beryllium Copper and self-lubricating Lead Bronze.
Oxygen-free tellurium copper engineered to eliminate hydrogen embrittlement during brazing, providing ultra-low electrical noise for RF connectors.
View Product Technical Specs
C14700 sulfur-alloyed copper offering free-machining efficiency combined with superior thermal transfer for heavy electrical relay components.
View Product Technical Specs
The strongest copper alloy available, reaching tensile strength over 1380 MPa for non-sparking mining tools and high-fatigue spring clips.
View Product Technical Specs
Leaded beryllium copper providing ultimate structural hardness combined with improved lathe processability for precision avionics parts.
View Product Technical Specs
Tailor-made sulfur copper profiles fabricated for high-speed automated production lines requiring precise dimensional tolerances.
View Product Technical Specs
Precipitation-hardened nickel-silicon copper alloy featuring high yield strength, excellent relaxation resistance, and superior corrosion resistance.
View Product Technical Specs
Industry-standard free-cutting brass stock designed for general architectural fittings, thread fasteners, and low-voltage mechanical components.
View Product Technical Specs
Heavy-section OFT tellurium copper plates and custom drawn wires produced for high-power transformer connections and regional industrial switchboards.
View Product Technical SpecsOur high-performance copper alloys drive efficiency and durability across primary economic sectors in Eastern Zambia and regional trade zones.
High-amperage Tellurium copper terminals for transport fleets operating along the Chipata-Mchinji-Beira logistics corridor, ensuring low thermal resistance during rapid charging cycles.
Precision C14500 plasma nozzles for industrial metal fabricators in Chipata, alongside specialized battery busbars for agricultural solar microgrid installations.
High-purity antimicrobial Tellurium copper parts for healthcare laboratory devices and regional diagnostic equipment across Eastern Province hospitals.
Custom OFT tellurium copper coaxial connectors and microwave transmission switches engineered for low reflection loss and zero signal distortion.
Corrosion-resistant copper alloy bushings and valve stems designed to withstand bio-fouling and mineralized water in municipal pumping facilities.
Arc-resistant tellurium copper contacts providing superior durability for utility grid breakers in regional sub-transmission stations.
Pioneering next-generation metallurgical advancements to serve green transition markets in Africa and globally.
Implementation of closed-loop inert gas shielding continuous casting to maintain oxygen levels below 5 ppm in OFT copper. This ensures 98.5% IACS electrical conductivity and complete immunity to hydrogen embrittlement during ultra-high temperature brazing.
Integrating severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques to refine Cu₂Te phase inclusions down to sub-micron dimensions. This boosts ultimate tensile strength to 520 MPa while retaining an 85% free-machining index for ultra-miniaturized 5G/6G connectors.
Establishing 100% closed-loop tellurium scrap recycling systems and solar-powered induction melting furnaces, enabling Kepai to supply carbon-neutral copper alloys to global OEM manufacturing hubs.
Detailed technical and commercial answers addressing procurement, machining, and engineering intent for non-ferrous copper alloys.
Whether you require mill-test certified C14500 round bars, custom OFT extruded profiles, or specialized engineering technical consultation, Kepai New Material delivers factory-direct quality, rapid global logistics, and competitive wholesale pricing.
Kepai New Material