By international standards, copper sheets are given the name Alloy C110, and it is sometimes denoted as electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper. This is the purest form of copper in the market, with a composition of 99.9% of the element. Among the most notable properties of this metal is its high thermal and electrical conductivity, malleability, ductility, and extreme resistance to stress.
If you check the inventory of a copper sheet supplier, you will usually find these sheets sold in varying gauges. These may be from a range of as thin as 0.15 inches, or as thick as 0.75 inches. Standard widths of each copper sheet may be 36 inches to 48 inches. Depending on the project, fabricators and designers may even hammer down the sheets to achieve the pliability they need.
Copper for Outdoor Installations
Copper sheets are often bent, shaped, and welded to form roofing elements like flashings and skylights. They are also added as trims to windows and doors because of their rustic hues. In terms of water structures, copper is also made into gutters, spouts, as well as pipes. Even when exposed to rainwater, copper can hold up excellently.
Using Copper in the Kitchen
If you will ask a copper sheet supplier about the best places to install the metal, they will likely tell you to add it to your kitchen renovation projects. These sheets can be cut to size and used for kitchen countertops or tabletops. Metal sheets may also be installed on kitchen backsplashes and range hoods for the rich brown shimmer that is truly eye-catching. Scientific research has shown that copper and its alloys like brass can be excellent in fighting bacteria, which is why these metals are great for food-preparation surfaces.
Getting a Good Supply of Copper
Many builders and designers often ask, “Where to buy copper sheets?” Because there are numerous vendors out there, it can be quite a challenge to really lock in with a trusted metal supplier. It is recommended that you touch base with a reputable copper sheet supplier that has been around for years. They should have a wide selection of gauges and sizes to suit your specific needs, and they can readily cut the metal for you if the measurements are hard-to-find. Plus, a reliable supplier should also have a system for recycling scrap metal, so you can approach them if you have any excess from your projects.
Sources
Stress-Relaxation Characteristics in Tension of High-Strength, High-Conductivity Copper and High Copper Alloy Wires, astm.org
Physical Properties and Characteristics, antimicrobialcopper.org
