Materials

CuCr – chrome copper

This material was the standard for many years. The addition of chrome hardens the copper and allows it to last much longer and to be more easily and accurately machined. The material is still available but has largely been replaced by:-

CuCrZr

This has the addition of a small quantity of Zirconium, which when used for electrode tips, helps to resist sticking of the tips to zinc coated material. Due to changes in the automotive industry, this has become the most widely used and stocked material for spot welding.

Cu(Co)Be – Beryllium copper

This is a very hard and strong material, but with lower thermal and electrical conductivity than the above. It is used for electrodes where weld forces are very high or for electrode adaptors which require high strength and longer service life.

The above are all available in bar (round and square) form, as forgings where larger pieces are required and as seam weld blanks.

CuNiSi(Cr) Copper nickel silicone (chrome)

These materials are mostly used where cast components are required and where cast chrome copper is not strong enough. Since cast beryllium copper is harder to come by (due to foundry safety restrictions) these are often considered the best alternative.

20W3 or Elkonite (Copper and Tungsten)

Elkonite is a sintered alloy of copper and tungsten. Elkonite electrodes are very hard and strong, but will not withstand high current densities. Elkonite is widely used for projection welding dies.

This material is available in 200mm (8”) length up to 50mm dia as standard. Larger sizes on request.