Drawn zinc-nickel copper rod
Drawn white copper rod is a ternary alloy composed primarily of copper, nickel, and zinc. Its silvery-white metallic luster evokes its name. Nickel typically accounts for 10% to 20%, zinc for 15% to 25%, and the remainder is copper. After the drawing process, this alloy retains the excellent electrical and thermal conductivity of copper while also possessing excellent corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and mechanical properties due to the addition of nickel and zinc. Drawn white copper rod boasts greater strength and hardness than ordinary brass, and possesses excellent plasticity and processability, making it easily amenable to cutting, stamping, and welding operations. It is a high-performance structural and decorative material.
The production process for drawing zinc-nickel silver rods is complex and requires high technical requirements. First, the smelting process involves placing copper, nickel, and zinc in a furnace in precise proportions and smelting them at high temperatures. Due to the high melting point of nickel, the smelting temperature and time must be strictly controlled to ensure that all elements are fully fused and form a uniform alloy melt. An appropriate amount of deoxidizer is also added during the smelting process to remove impurities and gases from the melt and improve the purity of the alloy. After smelting, the melt is cast into ingots, which undergo homogenization to eliminate internal compositional segregation and structural stress. The ingot then enters the drawing stage, where it undergoes multiple drawing passes to gradually reduce its diameter. Annealing is performed after each drawing pass, typically at 600-700°C, to eliminate work hardening, restore the material’s plasticity, and ensure a smooth drawing process.
Drawn copper-nickel silver rods are widely used in the decorative and electronic fields. In the decorative field, due to its silvery-white appearance and excellent corrosion resistance, it is often used in jewelry, tableware, and crafts. Its appearance is comparable to that of silver, but its cost is lower than silver, and it is not prone to tarnishing, making it popular with consumers. In the electronic and electrical fields, drawn copper-nickel silver rods have excellent conductivity and shielding properties. They are used in the production of electronic connectors, relay contacts, shielding covers, and other components, effectively reducing electromagnetic interference and ensuring the proper operation of electronic equipment. Furthermore, in the manufacture of precision instruments, its excellent dimensional stability and processing properties make it an ideal material for precision gears, dials, and other components.
Drawn copper-nickel silver rods also have important applications in the chemical and marine engineering sectors. Due to their excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in organic acids, alkaline solutions, and seawater, they are used in the manufacture of pipes, valves, pumps, and other components for chemical equipment, offering protection against corrosion from various chemical media and extending the lifespan of the equipment. In marine engineering, such as ship condensers and components for desalination equipment, drawn copper-nickel silver rods can withstand the highly corrosive environment of seawater, ensuring stable operation. Furthermore, in the medical device sector, due to their non-magnetic properties, excellent corrosion resistance, and compatibility with human tissue, they are also used in the manufacture of some medical device components.
As market demand continues to evolve, the production technology for drawn copper-nickel silver rods is also constantly improving. To meet the specific needs of various industries, manufacturers have developed a series of specialized copper-nickel silver rod products, such as high-nickel copper-nickel silver rods and high-strength copper-nickel silver rods, by adjusting alloy composition and optimizing process parameters. With the growing awareness of environmental protection, the recyclability of drawn copper-nickel silver rods has also gained attention. Their high recycling rate meets the requirements of sustainable development. In the future, with the continuous development of high-end manufacturing and decoration industries, the market demand for drawn copper-nickel silver rods will continue to grow, and their application areas will further expand, showing promising development prospects.
