On the Identification of Single Crystal Copper

OCC Ohno Continuous Casting is the main process to produce Single Crysital Copper, that’s why when OCC 4N-6N is marked the first reaction of most people think that’s single crystal copper. Here is no doubt about it, however 4N-6N does’t represent, and also we were asked how to prove the copper is single crystal.

As the matter of fact, identifying single crystal copper is not an easy task and requires comprehensive consideration from multiple aspects.

First, in terms of material characteristics, the biggest feature of single crystal copper is that there are relatively few grain boundaries and it has a columnar crystal structure. This characteristic means that when electrons are conducted in single crystal copper, there is less scattering, resulting in better electrical conductivity. At the same time, the columnar crystal structure also makes single crystal copper better able to withstand deformation when stressed, showing high flexibility.

In the actual identification process, microscopic observation is a commonly used method. But it should be noted that it is relatively difficult to distinguish or confirm single crystal copper only by microscope. This is because the characteristics of single crystal copper are not always clearly presented at the microscopic level, and different observation conditions and technical levels may affect the accuracy of the results.

Here is the picture that is acquired under microscope

We have used an 8mm copper rod to make a cross-section observation and can see the growth of columnar crystals. However, this is only an auxiliary means and cannot completely determine that the material is single crystal copper.

At present, the entire industry is facing the problem that it is difficult to directly confirm single crystal copper. But we can increase the basis for judging single crystal copper through specific production equipment and processes. For example, copper materials produced by vacuum single crystal melting furnaces can largely ensure that they have a single crystal structure. Because this kind of equipment can provide specific conditions for the growth of single crystal copper, which is conducive to the formation of columnar crystals and the reduction of grain boundaries.

High Vaccum continuous casting equipment

In addition, performance index detection is also an important method for identifying single crystal copper. Excellent single crystal copper shows outstanding performance in electrical conductivity and flexibility. Customers can provide specific requirements for conductivity and elongation. Generally speaking, single crystal copper has a higher conductivity and can meet specific numerical requirements. At the same time, its elongation is also relatively good and it is not easy to break when stressed. Only single crystal copper can reach a relatively high level in these performance indicators.

In conclusion, identifying single crystal copper is a complex process that requires comprehensive consideration of multiple aspects such as material characteristics, production equipment and processes, and performance indicators. Although there is currently no absolutely accurate method to directly confirm single crystal copper, through the combined use of these means, single crystal copper can be identified relatively reliably to a certain extent. In practical applications, we should continuously explore and improve the identification methods to ensure the quality and performance of single crystal copper and meet the needs of different fields.


Post time: Nov-04-2024