Oxygen Free Copper: Properties, Applications, and Advantages

In this blog, we’ll break down the properties, applications, and advantages of oxygen-free copper, helping you understand why it’s preferred over standard copper in various industries.

Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) is a high-purity form of copper known for its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity. Widely used in high-end audio equipment, aerospace components, and electrical systems, oxygen-free copper offers unmatched performance when signal integrity or thermal stability is critical.

What is Oxygen Free Copper?

Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) is refined through a process that removes almost all oxygen content during manufacturing. It typically has a copper purity of 99.95% to 99.99%, making it more conductive and corrosion-resistant than standard grades.

There are two main grades of OFC:

C10100 (OFHC – Oxygen Free High Conductivity)
C10200 (OFE – Oxygen Free Electronic Copper)

Both grades are used where electrical conductivity and ductility are essential.

Key Properties of Oxygen Free Copper

The unique oxygen-free copper properties make it ideal for precision applications:

Property	Description
High Electrical Conductivity	Up to 101% IACS, ideal for electrical systems
Thermal Conductivity	Excellent heat dissipation for thermal equipment
Corrosion Resistance	Minimal oxidation due to low oxygen content
High Ductility	Easy to form, bend, and shape without cracking
Low Magnetic Permeability	Reduces interference in sensitive electronics
Superior Weldability	Smooth welding with minimal impurities

Common Applications of Oxygen Free Copper

OFC is used in industries where precision and performance are non-negotiable. Popular oxygen free copper applications include:

1. High-End Audio Equipment

Used in speaker cables, headphone wires, and amplifiers
Reduces signal loss and improves audio clarity

2. Electrical and Power Transmission

Employed in transformers, switchgears, and power cables
Ideal for high-voltage and high-frequency systems

3. Aerospace and Military

Components in satellites, radar systems, and avionics
Withstands extreme environments and ensures reliability

4. Vacuum Electronics and Semiconductors

OFC’s low impurity level prevents outgassing in vacuum systems

5. Medical and Laboratory Devices

Used in imaging machines and sensitive medical instruments

Advantages of Using Oxygen Free Copper

Let’s explore the key advantages of oxygen free copper over conventional copper grades:

✅ Higher Conductivity: Delivers minimal signal distortion and power loss
✅ Improved Durability: Withstands oxidation, cracking, and high temperatures
✅ Superior Signal Clarity: Ideal for precision audio and RF applications
✅ Reduced Magnetic Interference: Essential in high-frequency or sensitive equipment
✅ Longer Lifespan: Outperforms standard copper in long-term applications

Oxygen Free Copper vs. Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper

Feature	Oxygen Free Copper	ETP Copper
Purity	99.99%	99.9%
Conductivity	Slightly higher	High
Oxygen Content	<0.001%	~0.02%
Applications	High-end & critical	General purpose
Cost	Higher	Lower

While ETP copper is widely used in everyday electrical applications, OFC is reserved for high-performance systems where precision is vital.

Conclusion

Oxygen Free Copper is more than just a purer form of copper—it’s a material engineered for performance, reliability, and efficiency. Whether you’re working in electronics, aerospace, or high-end audio, understanding the properties and advantages of oxygen free copper helps you make the right material choice.

When sourcing OFC, always ensure you’re working with trusted manufacturers that provide full material certifications and consistent quality.

FAQ's

What is oxygen free copper (OFC)?

Oxygen free copper is a high-purity copper with minimal oxygen content (typically less than 0.001%). It is refined using special methods to eliminate oxygen, resulting in excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, superior to standard copper grades.

What are the main applications of oxygen free copper?

Oxygen free copper is widely used in electrical and electronic applications such as high-end audio cables, semiconductor components, vacuum tubes, transformers, and superconductors due to its exceptional conductivity and purity.

How is oxygen free copper different from electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper?

While both are highly conductive, oxygen free copper contains significantly less oxygen than ETP copper. This makes OFC more suitable for high-vacuum or high-frequency applications where impurities like oxygen can cause signal loss or oxidation.