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Copper Stainless Steel Clad Plate High-Performance Material

2025-07-05 15:17:19

What Is a Copper Stainless Steel Clad Plate?
A copper stainless steel clad plate is a composite metal material that combines the high conductivity and antimicrobial properties of copper with the corrosion resistance and mechanical strength of stainless steel. Through explosion bonding, hot rolling, or other advanced cladding techniques, two metals are permanently bonded to form a single plate with dual functionalities.

Why Choose Copper Stainless Steel Clad Plate?
1:Conductivity Meets Mechanical Strength
One of the most significant advantages of the copper stainless steel clad plate is the combination of high thermal and electrical conductivity from copper, with excellent tensile strength and corrosion resistance from stainless steel. This makes the clad plate ideal for electrical busbars, grounding systems, and heat exchangers.

2: Excellent Corrosion Resistance
The stainless steel layer protects the copper surface from oxidation, acid corrosion, and harsh environments, making it perfect for use in marine, chemical, and food processing industries.

3: Cost Efficiency Without Performance Loss
Compared to pure copper plates, copper stainless steel clad plates offer significant cost savings. Stainless steel serves as a structural backing, reducing the amount of copper required while maintaining the desired performance.

How Are Copper Stainless Steel Clad Plates Manufactured?
1: Explosion Bonding Technology
The most popular method to create copper stainless steel clad plate is explosion bonding. In this process, a high-energy detonation forces copper and stainless steel together under extreme pressure, forming a metallurgical bond without melting the base materials. This method preserves the properties of each metal and ensures a strong, uniform joint.

2: Hot Rolling Process
Hot rolling involves heating the bonded metals and rolling them under high pressure. This not only enhances the bond but also creates a smooth surface finish. The hot-rolled copper stainless steel clad plate is especially suited for decorative and conductive applications.

3: Other Methods
Other manufacturing techniques include cold rolling, diffusion welding, and laser cladding, depending on application needs and desired material thickness.

Applications of Copper Stainless Steel Clad Plate
1: Electrical and Power Distribution
In electrical systems, copper stainless steel clad plates are used for busbars, switchboards, and distribution panels. Copper ensures excellent conductivity while the stainless steel layer adds strength and environmental resistance.

2: Heat Exchangers and HVAC
Copper’s thermal conductivity and stainless steel’s structural resilience make these clad plates ideal for heat exchanger tubes, cooling systems, and air conditioning units.

3: Marine and Chemical Industry
In corrosive environments like offshore structures, ships, and chemical reactors, copper stainless steel clad plates provide reliable performance with reduced maintenance.

4: Kitchen Equipment and Architecture
These plates are also popular in kitchen countertops, decorative panels, and building facades, thanks to their aesthetic appeal, hygiene properties, and durability.

Technical Specifications of Copper Stainless Steel Clad Plate

Parameter

Specification

Cladding method

Explosion bonded

Base material

SUS304, SUS316L, SUS430 (Stainless Steel grades)

Cladding material

T2, TU1, TU2 (Copper grades)

Thickness ratio

Customizable (e.g., 1:3, 1:4, or per client needs)

Standard dimensions

Width up to 2000mm, Length up to 8000mm

Surface finish

Polished

Bonding strength

≥130 MPa

Conductivity

≥98% IACS (Copper Layer)

Corrosion resistance

Excellent (Salt Spray ≥ 500h)

What Are the Key Benefits of Using Copper Stainless Steel Clad Plate?
1: Enhanced Service Life
The composite structure prolongs the product life by preventing galvanic corrosion, thermal cracking, and mechanical deformation, even under heavy-duty applications.

2: Lightweight Alternative
With stainless steel replacing part of the copper layer, the clad plate is lighter than pure copper, aiding in weight reduction for aerospace or automotive components.

3: Sustainable and Recyclable
Copper stainless steel clad plates are eco-friendly and can be fully recycled, aligning with green manufacturing standards in Europe, the US, and Asia.

Common Industries That Rely on Copper Stainless Steel Clad Plate

Industry

Application

Electrical Engineering

Busbars, Connectors, Power Cabinets

Petrochemical

Reactors, Pressure Vessels, Heat Transfer Systems

Building & Architecture

Wall Panels, Doors, Elevators, Decorations

Automotive

Heat Sinks, Battery Components, Hybrid EV Modules

Food Equipment

Sterile Surfaces, Processing Units, Steam Cookers


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1: Is copper stainless steel clad plate better than pure copper?
Yes, in many applications. While pure copper offers excellent conductivity, copper stainless steel clad plate provides added strength, corrosion resistance, and cost savings, making it a superior choice for structural and high-temperature applications.

2: Can copper stainless steel clad plate be customized?
Absolutely. Most manufacturers offer custom thickness ratios, dimensions, and surface treatments depending on the client’s technical drawings and project requirements.

3: How does copper bond to stainless steel?
Through methods like explosion bonding or hot rolling, a metallurgical bond is formed between the copper and stainless steel layers, ensuring mechanical and chemical integrity.

Comparing Copper Stainless Steel Clad Plate to Other Clad Materials

Clad Material

Key Feature

Best Use Case

Copper + Stainless Steel

Conductivity + Strength + Corrosion

Electrical, HVAC, Food Industry

Copper + Aluminum

Cost-Effective, Lightweight

Automotive, Consumer Electronics

Stainless Steel + Carbon Steel

Strength + Economy

Pressure Vessels, Piping Systems

Titanium + Stainless Steel

Heat/Corrosion Resistance

Chemical, Desalination, Aerospace

The copper stainless steel clad plate strikes a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and performance, making it the most versatile option for industries requiring both electrical and structural excellence.

The copper stainless steel clad plate strikes a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and performance, making it the most versatile option for industries requiring both electrical and structural excellence.

Sourcing High-Quality Copper Stainless Steel Clad Plate
When sourcing copper stainless steel clad plates, it's crucial to choose a manufacturer with:

Proven cladding expertise (explosion bonding or hot rolling)

Strict quality control standards

International certifications (ISO, SGS, RoHS)

Custom engineering support for specialized applications

Working with an experienced supplier ensures the metallurgical bonding quality, dimensional accuracy, and material traceability required for mission-critical applications.
Contact Us
Looking for a reliable supplier of copper stainless steel clad plates?

Email: zh@baojiti.com.cn
Website: www.shenaocladplate.com
Phone: +86-18729731603
Address: Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, China

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