Explore our leading industrial-grade Tellurium Copper and high-performance copper alloy solutions engineered for extreme efficiency.
Tellurium Copper (commonly designated as UNS C14500 or copper-tellurium alloy) has emerged as a cornerstone material across high-stakes industrial ecosystems. Unlike standard pure copper, which presents significant machining hurdles due to its extreme ductility, C14500 integrates nominal fractions of tellurium (typically 0.4% to 0.7%). This micro-alloying engineering creates a material that balances exceptional electrical conductivity (exceeding 93% IACS) with outstanding free-cutting machinability (rated at 85% compared to free-cutting brass).
Today, global industries are transitioning toward automation, rapid power transmission, and extreme reliability. Tellurium copper suppliers have become integral to the aerospace, automotive, power generation, and precision manufacturing supply chains. By optimizing cutting speeds, minimizing tool wear, and sustaining robust heat dispersal, tellurium copper dramatically slashes component manufacturing cycles while bolstering operational longevity.
Established in 2017, Sichuan Kepai New Material Co., Ltd. has established itself as an authoritative leader in high-performance copper alloy fabrication. Operating a state-of-the-art facility covering 9,000 square meters alongside a dedicated 1,000 square meter office complex in the western zone of the Sichuan Guanghan Industrial Development Zone, we enjoy streamlined logisitics via National Highway 108.
Kepai is specialized in research, development, and high-volume production of strategic copper alloys featured in the national 13th Five-Year Plan. Our expertise encompasses tellurium copper, high-conductivity oxygen-free copper, silver copper, and dispersion-strengthened copper. Our production systems prioritize high-density structures, zero porosity, and precise elemental distributions, ensuring that our products excel in critical high-technology fields such as electric vehicles (EVs), 5G networks, plasma systems, and clean energy storage.
Understanding the exact physical, mechanical, and electrical configurations of tellurium copper relative to other common conductors.
| Alloy Grade / Specification | Copper Content (%) | Tellurium Content (%) | Electrical Conductivity (IACS %) | Machinability Rating | Key Performance Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C14500 Tellurium Copper | Min. 99.3% | 0.40% - 0.70% | ≥ 93% | 85% | High electrical/thermal conductivity, excellent machinability, anti-sticking, spark resistance. |
| C11000 ETP Copper | Min. 99.9% | - | 101% | 20% | Outstanding electrical conductivity; extremely difficult to machine, long gummy chips. |
| C36000 Free-Cutting Brass | 60.0% - 63.0% | - (Lead 2.5%-3.7%) | 26% | 100% | The standard for machining; very low electrical conductivity, high lead content limitations. |
| OFT Oxygen-Free Tellurium | Min. 99.95% | 0.30% - 0.50% | ≥ 97% | 80% | Ultra-pure base, zero hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility, vacuum-compatible. |
Standard copper generates sticky, continuous chips that warp tools and disrupt CNC processes. The inclusion of tellurium creates tiny, dispersed copper telluride particles that break chips into clean, manageable pieces, boosting machining throughput by up to 300%.
C14500 displays a remarkable resistance to electrical wear and micro-welding in high-current contexts. This makes it the primary selection for contact pins, switches, and charging sockets that cycle under heavy electrical loads.
Procuring tellurium copper from a dedicated Chinese manufacturer like Sichuan Kepai presents substantial structural and cost advantages. Chinese non-ferrous metal clusters offer highly integrated upstream raw material supply chains, allowing us to source ultra-pure cathode copper and pristine tellurium with minimal logistics overhead. This ensures that our baseline pricing remains highly competitive globally.
Furthermore, China’s industrial ecosystem boasts access to advanced engineering talent and heavy machinery manufacturing. Sichuan Kepai leverages proprietary horizontal continuous casting, high-precision cold drawing lines, and specialized oxidation-prevention heat treatment processes. Our continuous extrusion technology ensures that the telluride particles are distributed homogeneously across the entire cross-section of the copper rods, profiles, or wires. This prevents hard spots that damage CNC tools and guarantees uniform electrical conduction throughout the alloy.
From aerospace systems to renewable infrastructure, see how C14500 is applied in real-world engineering environments.
Liquid-cooled fast-charging guns, high-voltage battery connection plugs, and EV relays require conductors that handle immense electrical current with minimal temperature rises. C14500 prevents thermal runaway and offers robust wear cycles.
Key Benefit: Lower temperature rises under 300A+ loadsPlasma torches demand electrodes and nozzles that can withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining dimensional stability. The high thermal conductivity of tellurium copper dissipates heat quickly, extending torch consumable lifespans.
Key Benefit: Prolonged component life under high arc heatCoaxial connectors, electrical switches, and high-frequency communication base station modules require ultra-fine machining tolerances. Tellurium copper allows thin-walled structures to be machined without structural burrs.
Key Benefit: Sharp burr-free threads, minimal signal lossAutomatic MIG/TIG welding tips, electrical resistance welding electrodes, and electrical switch parts require non-stick properties. Tellurium copper resists weld spatter adhesion far better than oxygen-free copper.
Key Benefit: High resistance to sticking, lower downtime
The global copper market is undergoing structural shifts. Major economies are tightening restrictions on leaded alloys (such as C36000 brass) due to ecological and health directives (e.g., RoHS, REACH). Consequently, engineers are actively searching for lead-free, high-conductivity alternatives. Tellurium copper acts as an ideal solution: providing low toxicity, free-machining, and high-conductivity metrics that meet the strict requirements of modern regulatory framework.
Furthermore, the drive for energy-efficient electrification in smart grids and large-scale utility battery systems is expanding the usage of oxygen-free tellurium copper. Sourcing high-purity, oxygen-free tellurium copper ensures zero susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement when exposed to reducing atmospheres at elevated temperatures, safeguarding long-term utility investments. Sichuan Kepai is positioning its export strategy to address these needs, expanding direct distribution networks throughout Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
As a key supplier, Sichuan Kepai is committed to reducing environmental impact through clean production methodologies. Copper smelting is traditionally energy-intensive; however, our Guanghan plant utilizes energy-efficient induction furnaces and closed-loop waste heat recovery systems. By recycling process scrap and implementing advanced filtration systems, we reduce carbon emissions per ton of fabricated alloy.
Our company spirit of "integrity, innovation, collaboration, and win-win" shapes how we work with local communities and global partners alike. We believe that sustainable development is not merely a compliance checkbox but a long-term strategy that ensures quality, reliability, and corporate longevity for our clients.
Sichuan Kepai implements stringent quality control protocols to ensure every batch of tellurium copper matches international ASTM, DIN, and JIS standards.
Step inside our Sichuan facilities. We leverage precision equipment to ensure consistency in extrusion, drawing, and chemical composition analysis.
Smelting Furnace
laying-off Line
Extrusion System
Precision Drawing
Straightening Equipment
Secure Packaging
Eddy Current Conductance Instrument
Chemical Composition Testing Lab
Metallographic Polishing
Electro-Hydraulic Servo Tester
LCD Universal Electronic Tester
Digital Hardness Tester
Expert insights on metallurgy, manufacturing capabilities, and order customization for global procurement teams.
Looking ahead, Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. will continue to uphold its original intention, with even greater enthusiasm and determination, to engage in research and application in the field of new materials, contributing to the development of the new copper alloy materials industry in China and globally. We look forward to working hand in hand with friends from all walks of life to create a brilliant future together!
Explore our complete range of beryllium, nickel, and chromium-zirconium copper alloys, engineered for high thermal and structural resistance.
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