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.
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.
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.
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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