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99.99% Pure - OFE Grade

C101 Oxygen-Free Copper forCritical Electronic Components

C101 Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) copper is the highest purity grade of copper available, offering maximum conductivity and immunity to hydrogen embrittlement for specialized engineering.

C101 Oxygen-free copper components for high-vacuum and semiconductor manufacturing
Material Overview

What is C101 Copper?

C101 copper, or Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) copper, is a 99.99% pure copper alloy produced under a carefully controlled, oxygen-free environment. This process eliminates the presence of cuprous oxide, preventing hydrogen embrittlement during brazing and welding. For CNC machining, C101 offers the highest possible electrical and thermal conductivity of any copper grade. It is specifically required for high-vacuum applications, particle accelerators, and semiconductor equipment where outgassing must be minimized and conductivity maximized.

Ultra-pure C101 copper parts for specialized scientific and electronic equipment
Specifications

C101 Copper Specifications

Technical data for C101 OFE copper. Its performance is defined by its chemical purity, high vapor pressure resistance, and total reliability in critical thermal and electrical environments.

C101 Engineering Properties

Material Type

Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) Copper

Purity

99.99% Copper (min)

Primary Characteristics

Highest conductivity (101% IACS), immune to hydrogen embrittlement, extremely low outgassing

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

30–45 ksi (207–310 MPa)

Tensile Strength (Yield)

11–40 ksi (76–276 MPa)

Elongation at Break

25–45%

Rockwell Hardness

40–90 HRF (depending on temper)

Density

8.94 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³)

Elastic Modulus

17,000 ksi (117 GPa)

Poisson’s Ratio

0.33

Thermal Conductivity

391 W/m·K

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

17.0 µm/m·°C

Melting Point

1083 °C (1981 °F)

Electrical Conductivity

101% IACS (Guaranteed minimum)

Machinability

Fair (Rating 20%; very high ductility requires sharp tools)

Weldability

Excellent (Superior to C110 for brazing and electron-beam welding)

Corrosion Resistance

Excellent (Highly resistant to atmospheric and chemical attack)

Plating & Surface Finish

Ideal for Silver, Gold, and Electroless Nickel plating

Common Forms

Bar, plate, tube, rod

Typical Applications

Vacuum electronics, semiconductor tooling, wave guides, particle accelerators, high-end audio cables

Standards

ASTM B170 (Grade 1), B187, B152

Performance

C101 Copper Performance Overview

Comparison based on ultra-high purity electronic standards.

Purity/Cleanliness

Electrical Conductivity

Thermal Conductivity

Vacuum Stability

Machinability

Weldability/Brazing

Corrosion Resistance

Cost Efficiency

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Where C101 Copper is Commonly Used

Specified for high-tech environments where even trace impurities can cause system failure or energy loss.

High-vacuum chamber components and seals

Semiconductor fabrication equipment

Particle accelerator structures

Superconductor matrix components

Microwave tubes and waveguides

Medical imaging equipment (MRI)

Aerospace telecommunications

High-fidelity audio connectors and conductors

Cryogenic engineering hardware

Material FAQs

Copper C101 (OFE) FAQs for High-Purity Manufacturing

Expert technical guidance for engineering teams utilizing 99.99% pure C101 Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper for semiconductors, vacuum systems, and advanced electronics.

Ready for your Project

99.99% Ultra-Pure Oxygen-Free

Copper C101: The Ultimate Choice for High-Vacuum & Semiconductor Reliability

Copper C101 is the highest grade of commercially available copper, refined to an extraordinary 99.99% purity. Known as Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) copper, it is specifically engineered to eliminate the risk of hydrogen embrittlement and internal gas pockets.

At PREMSA Industries, we specialize in the high-precision CNC Machining of C101 for critical environments like particle accelerators, semiconductor chambers, and satellite electronics where material outgassing is not an option.

The C101 Strategic Advantage: Why Purity Matters

  • 99.99% Pure Copper: Offers the highest electrical conductivity of any copper grade, consistently hitting 101% IACS.
  • Oxygen-Free Integrity: Prevents internal oxidation and embrittlement during high-temperature brazing or welding processes.
  • Vacuum-Ready: Designed for Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) applications, ensuring zero outgassing that could contaminate sensitive laboratory or space environments.
  • Superior Ductility: Its extreme purity allows for even more intricate Metal Stamping and drawing than standard C110.
  • High Thermal Stability: Maintains consistent performance in cryogenic temperatures and extreme heat cycles without structural failure.
  • Flawless Finish: Supports high-mirror polishing, essential for optical and particle-physics components produced via CNC Milling.

C101 vs. C110: Choosing the Right Grade for Your Mission

While Copper C110 is excellent for general power distribution, Copper C101 is the mandatory choice for vacuum chambers and semiconductor tools. If your part involves high-temperature joining or a sealed vacuum environment, C101 is your insurance policy against failure.

The Technical ROI

  • Eliminates the risk of catastrophic system failure during high-temp brazing
  • Ensures maximum signal integrity for high-frequency telecommunications
  • Provides the cleanest possible surface for high-end electroplating (Gold/Silver)
  • Reduces maintenance downtime in semiconductor and scientific research labs

Mastering Ultra-Pure Machining

  • Our Swiss-Type Machining ensures the high-purity grain structure remains intact for small contacts
  • Specific tooling strategies to avoid material contamination during Drilling & Threading
  • Expertise in achieving sub-micron finishes for vacuum-seal mating surfaces

Performance Strengths for Critical Systems

  1. Hydrogen Resistance: Immune to embrittlement, unlike standard copper grades.
  2. UHV Compatibility: The standard for aerospace and semiconductor vacuum seals.
  3. Peak Conductivity: Guaranteed maximum electrical and thermal transfer rates.
  4. Joining Reliability: The most stable copper for advanced brazing and electron-beam welding.
  5. Cryogenic Excellence: Stays tough and ductile even at near-absolute zero temperatures.
  6. Precision Capability: Ideal for high-density CNC Mill-Turn components.

Design Limitations and Handling

  1. Premium Investment: Higher cost than C110 due to the intensive refining process.
  2. Soft Surface: Extremely susceptible to scratches; requires white-glove handling in the shop.
  3. Machining Stickiness: Its high purity makes it even 'gummier' than C110; requires specialized lubricants and sharp tools.
  4. Weight: High density requires careful design for aerospace or portable equipment.
  5. Oxidation Control: Must be kept in a controlled environment or plated to maintain its 99.99% surface purity.

Advanced C101 Manufacturing at PREMSA Industries

Semiconductor & Vacuum Components

We specialize in the production of high-precision components for vacuum chambers. Our CNC Machining centers are managed to prevent oil and dust contamination in C101 parts.

  • High-precision Drilling & Threading for vacuum flange mounting
  • Clean-room ready finishes for critical laboratory hardware
  • Expertise in thin-wall machining for thermal management blocks

Prototyping & High-End Validation

For complex aerospace parts, we use Prototype 3D Printing to verify fluid paths before machining the final C101 block. This minimizes waste of this premium material.

  • Validate assembly kinematics with SLS models
  • Rapid transition from digital design to certified ultra-pure metal

Specialized Surface Treatment

  • Electropolishing for ultimate surface purity in semiconductor tools
  • High-purity Silver, Tin, or Gold plating for extreme contact reliability
  • Oxygen-free packaging to ensure parts arrive in pristine condition

High-Value Applications for C101

Wherever purity is the priority, C101 is the core of specialized CNC machined components.

  • Semiconductor processing chambers and wafer handling tools
  • Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) systems and vacuum seals
  • Particle accelerator magnets and waveguides
  • Satellite and aerospace communication electronics
  • Cryogenic systems and superconducting components
  • High-temperature furnace parts and industrial brazed assemblies
  • Medical MRI and diagnostic imaging hardware
  • High-end audio and signal transmission connectors

Is C101 Oxygen-Free Copper Right for You?

If your project involves high-vacuum environments, high-temperature joining, or extreme electrical performance, C101 is your only choice.

  • When outgassing must be avoided in a vacuum environment
  • When the part will be subjected to high-temperature brazing or welding
  • When 99.99% purity is required for scientific or semiconductor standards
  • When building hardware for space or cryogenic exploration
  • When maximum electrical or thermal conductivity is non-negotiable