Established in May 2017, Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. is a high-tech private company specializing in R&D, production and sales of high conductivity and high strength free cutting tellurium copper and special copper alloys like C18700.
Our company has established its own independent R&D team, equipped with a complete production system and mature technology. We hold 30+ patents in high-performance copper material fabrication.
In addition to a high share of the domestic market, Kepai has exported to overseas clients with a high reputation, complying with ISO9001, ISO14001, and IATF 16949 standards.
In the hierarchy of precision manufacturing, C18700 Leaded Copper occupies a unique position. Often referred to as "Free-Cutting Copper," this alloy is engineered to solve the historical conflict between high electrical conductivity and high-speed machinability. While pure copper (C11000) offers peak conductivity, its gummy nature makes high-precision machining difficult and slow. C18700 introduces a controlled amount of lead (typically 1%), which acts as an internal lubricant and chip breaker, allowing for unmatched machining speeds without significantly compromising the material's thermal and electrical properties.
The global demand for C18700 copper rods is currently witnessing a significant surge, driven by the miniaturization of electronic components and the expansion of the telecommunications sector. As a leading Custom C18700 Copper Rods Supplier, Kepai New Materials observes that the market is shifting towards "Information Gain" strategies—where engineers prioritize materials that offer multi-dimensional benefits. In the North American and European markets, C18700 is the gold standard for high-current connectors, where reliability is non-negotiable.
Industrially, the move towards Industry 4.0 requires materials that can be processed by automated, high-speed CNC machines with minimal tool wear. C18700 fits this requirement perfectly, reducing downtime and increasing throughput for manufacturers of electrical hardware, automotive sensors, and aerospace terminals.
The technical roadmap for C18700 is focused on three pillars: Purity, Consistency, and Compliance. At Kepai, our technical innovation involves an "Oxygen-Free" melting process that ensures the lead distribution is perfectly uniform throughout the copper matrix. This prevents "soft spots" during machining and ensures stable electrical performance across the entire rod length.
Used for high-frequency coaxial connectors and base station components where signal integrity depends on the precision of the machined thread and surface finish.
Heavy-duty switchgear components and circuit breaker terminals that require long-term thermal stability and low contact resistance.
Precision-machined probes and sensors for diagnostic equipment where the non-magnetic properties of copper are essential.
As a specialized C18700 Copper Rods Company, we don't just supply metal; we provide integrated solutions. This includes customized heat treatment profiles (Temper H02, H04) to match the specific tensile requirements of the end application. Our macro-level approach considers the entire lifecycle of the component—from the efficiency of the initial CNC pass to the recyclability of the leaded copper scrap, which is handled via a closed-loop sustainability program.
The "Green Transition" is the most significant trend affecting the copper industry. While lead is a restricted substance, the exemptions for copper alloys (Lead up to 4%) remain critical because no other element provides the same balance of conductivity and lubricity. However, the future will see more Custom C18700 variants that utilize trace amounts of other elements to enhance corrosion resistance, making them suitable for the harsh environments of offshore wind farms and EV charging stations.
Leveraging copper's natural antimicrobial properties for specialized surgical and diagnostic tools.
Essential for high-speed charging pins and battery busbars where heat dissipation is critical.
High-reliability data transmission parts and generator windings that withstand extreme pressure.
C18700 contains approximately 1% lead. During machining, lead does not dissolve in the copper matrix but exists as discrete globules. These globules act as chip breakers and natural lubricants, allowing for a machinability rating of 85% (relative to Free-Cutting Brass), compared to only 20% for pure copper.
No. C18700 maintains an impressive electrical conductivity of approximately 96% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). This makes it the ideal choice for applications requiring both high current capacity and intricate machined shapes.
Current RoHS regulations provide an exemption (6c) for lead as an alloying element in copper alloys containing up to 4% lead by weight. C18700, with its ~1% lead content, falls well within this exemption for most industrial and commercial applications.
Yes. As a primary Custom C18700 Copper Rods Supplier, we offer diameter ranges from 2mm to 100mm and various tempers (Annealed to Hard) to meet your specific mechanical strength and ductility requirements.
As a leading Custom C18700 Copper Rods Supplier & Company, Kepai New Material is ready to provide technical consultation and high-quality material samples.
Kepai New Material
