Copper is one of the most popular metal types around. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, because after all, it is strong, durable, malleable, and corrosion-resistant. It’s every craftsman’s dream material because it’s easier to work with than most other metals. Be that as it may, though, it could still come off as intimidating, understandably, especially from the viewpoint of those who will be handling this material for the first time. Here are some helpful tips on how you can make the most of your copper use.
Getting to Know Copper
First things first—you need to have a clear understanding of what copper is and what it can do. This way, you can set and manage your expectations when you choose it as a material for a particular project. Copper is otherwise known as “the red metal” because it has a red-brown color. One of its most special features is that it is highly conductive for electricity, which is why it’s commonly used for electrical wirings.
In terms of strength, it is sturdy overall, but only has about half of that of mild carbon steel. If you’re thinking of building a structure, it won’t be the best option for you to use. It’s very tough, though, which is a huge plus, because it’s perfect for piping and tube applications. Materials that can withstand pressure is crucial for this kind of application to keep the piping from ruptures. It’s also very malleable and ductile, which is why craftsmen and artisans who would like to be a bit more experimental with their use of the material in terms of design have a much easier time handling it.
As you may also know, copper is very popular for kitchen use because not only is it highly conductive to electricity, but also to heat in general. This is why you can rely on copper cookware to do the job well, because it efficiently draws heat to the inside of the pot or pan, and thereby cooking the food.
Common Applications
There are many more other applications for copper apart from the ones mentioned above. It’s also a popular material for architectural use, such as for fittings and fixtures, as well as for industrial uses, including electronics. It’s also used for construction, transportation, and of course, arts and crafts.
To use copper in a personal capacity, you only need to determine what kind of item you’ll be making with it, or if you’ll need to supplement it with other alloys. That’s another great thing about copper—it’s malleable and versatile enough to be used in conjunction with other metals. It will ultimately boil down to your own aesthetic choice, but at the very least, the materials are easily available.
Arts, Crafts, Design
Copper’s red-brown color is distinctive enough to be eye-catching, especially if you would prefer a pop of color in your space or item. Copper as an implement in interior design can be used in door knobs and handles, lighting and bathroom fixtures, hinges, or even full-sized furniture like tables and chairs.
If you want to go for something more delicate, making jewellery out of copper should be perfect. Its rich color makes it a great material for something dainty and shiny to wear, too. Etch, engrave, or twist and mold them into different shapes to make for an interesting creation. It’s a huge plus that it only requires water and polishing using soft, dry cloth to keep it looking well-maintained.
A reputable copper sheet supplier like Rotax Metals will also have this material in its other forms. You can also expect to find a whole lot of other metal types to give you a wide variety of options.
Sources:
Learn About the Common Uses of Copper. TheBalance.com.
Applications. Copper.org.
