Contacts and terminals
Terminals and contacts with geometries adapted to an electrical assembly.
Metal · Custom parts
CNC machining
of copper.
Conducts current. Transfers heat. We manufacture custom copper parts for electrical contacts, heat sinks, and heat exchange components.
Get your quoteQuote in 24 h · Engineering review
- From
- 1 unit
- Delivery from
- 8 working days
- Material
- Cu Metal
01 / Why choose this material
Properties and uses
of copper.
Metal with high electrical and thermal conductivity. Suitable for transferring current or heat; machine by selecting appropriate tools and conditions.
Machined copper is used when electrical or thermal conduction is part of the part's function. Its purity and grade affect both conductivity and machinability. Define the contact surfaces and their requirements in the drawing.
Learn about the CNC machining process ↗Copper properties
Reference hardness · Copper PDF from Proto&Go!
- Indicative density
- 8.96 g/cm³
- Thermal conductivity
- ≈ 400 W/(m·K)
- Hardness · ref. PDF
- ≥ 86 HV
- Electrical conductivity
- High
- Presentation
- Semi-finished for CNC
Purity and grade change conductivity and machinability. The surface may oxidize and form patina. The added values are references from the published PDF; the supply grade and testing may alter them.
Material datasheets
- High electrical conductivity
- High thermal conductivity
- Ductile
- Atmospheric corrosion resistance
Copper applications
Heat sinks
Heat sinks and components that conduct heat between parts.
Electrodes
Electrodes whose geometry is obtained by milling or turning.
Heat exchanger components
Heat exchanger components according to working conditions.
02 / A choice based on usage
Choose copper
based on your part.
These criteria help define the material, geometry, and working conditions before manufacturing.
01
Electrical conductivity
For terminals and contacts, specify the grade, cross-section, and contact areas. A surface finish can change its behavior.
02
Heat transfer
In heat sinks and exchangers, geometry, thermal contact, and service conditions are important.
03
Surface and environment
Copper can oxidize and form patina. Decide if you need to preserve the appearance or protect functional surfaces.
The part's function is the starting point.
Indicate loads, temperature, environment, and appearance needed. If the drawing requires a specific grade, include it in the request.
03 / Finishing also counts
Finishes and appearance
of copper.
Define visible surfaces and the required result for your part. Requested treatments are included in the quote.
The part retains machining marks. Indicate adjustment surfaces and visible faces on the drawing.
The image could not be loaded. Try a different finish.
Reference images: material, geometry, and surface preparation influence the outcome. Special finishes are quoted upon request.
04 / From design to quote
CNC machining
of copper.
Milling and turning allow manufacturing copper parts from a block, plate, or bar. The tool removes material to obtain faces, cavities, drilled holes, and contours according to the design.
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Upload your file and request a quoteFor parts with uniform thickness, this material is also available for sheet metal cutting and bending ↗.
Part tolerances
For dimensions without specific tolerances, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-f. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT7 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.
Calculate a tolerance ↗Quantity and cost per part
In CNC, setup costs are distributed across the batch units. The final reduction depends on machining time and material.
Quote in 24 hours
Parts from 8 working days after confirming the order. The quote specifies the lead time based on geometry, material, finish, and quantity.
How much it costs to manufacture
The price of your part
in copper.
The cost of CNC machining copper depends on geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining.
Check the catalog example to compare materials. To know the cost of your design, request a quote with your 3D file.
Frequently asked questions
Before manufacturing
in copper.
Properties, applications, and manufacturing: answers to prepare your request.
What is copper and what properties does it have?
Copper is a metal with high electrical and thermal conductivity. Suitable for transferring current or heat; it is machined by selecting appropriate tools and conditions. Purity and grade affect conductivity and machinability. The surface can oxidize and form patina. The added values are references from the published PDF; the supply grade and testing can change them.
What parts can be manufactured in copper?
We can manufacture contacts and terminals, heat sinks, electrodes, and heat exchanger components. CNC machining allows adapting the geometry to your 3D file. Define the loads, the environment, and the finish so we can review the application.
Is copper or aluminum better for manufacturing a heat sink?
Copper has higher thermal conductivity, while aluminum weighs less. The choice depends on space, allowable weight, contact, and cooling. The heat sink's geometry influences the result as much as the material.
Why does a machined copper part change color?
The copper surface reacts with the environment and can oxidize or form patina. This change in appearance does not imply by itself that the part stops functioning. If you need to preserve an electrical, thermal, or aesthetic surface, indicate it when getting a quote.
Do all copper grades have the same conductivity?
No. Purity, alloying elements, and the material's condition modify its conductivity and machinability. The approximate value of 400 W/(m·K) is a reference, not a specification for any copper. Indicate the grade if it is a design requirement.
How much does it cost to machine a copper part?
The cost of CNC machining copper depends on geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining. Upload the 3D file to the Proto&Go! platform to receive a quote with cost and lead time.
What tolerances can I request for a copper part?
For dimensions without specific tolerances, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-f. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT7 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.
What file do I need to manufacture a copper part?
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Compare before choosing
Other options for your part.
Your next part
Shape
in copper.
Upload the 3D file. We review feasibility and send you the quote.