How Are Copper Aluminum Clad Plates Manufactured?

What Is a Copper Aluminum Clad Plate?
Copper aluminum clad plate is a bimetallic material that combines a copper layer with an aluminum base through solid-phase or explosion bonding technologies. It inherits the excellent electrical and thermal conductivity of copper and the lightweight and cost-effectiveness of aluminum, making it an ideal material for various modern industries.

Why Choose Copper Aluminum Clad Plate?
1. Conductivity with Weight Reduction
The copper layer ensures excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, while the aluminum substrate significantly reduces the overall weight of components. This fusion enables performance improvement in electric vehicles (EVs), power transmission systems, and energy storage devices.

2. Corrosion Resistance and Structural Stability
The bonding between copper and aluminum is engineered to withstand corrosive environments, ensuring durability in harsh industrial applications. Copper aluminum clad plates also demonstrate excellent mechanical bonding strength, reducing delamination risks even under thermal cycling.

3: Cost Optimization
By replacing thick solid copper with a thin cladding layer, the copper aluminum clad plate dramatically reduces raw material costs while maintaining essential performance, especially in large-scale electrical applications.

How Are Copper Aluminum Clad Plates Manufactured?
1: Explosion Bonding Technology
This process uses a controlled detonation to bond copper and aluminum under extreme pressure, forming a metallurgical interface without melting the materials. Explosion bonding results in high interfacial strength and uniform bonding over large areas.

2: Hot Rolling & Diffusion Bonding
This method involves layering copper and aluminum, then applying high pressure and temperature through rolling. This allows for a solid-state diffusion at the interface, forming a strong metallurgical bond suitable for mass production.

3: Quality Control Standards
Producers of copper aluminum clad plates follow strict ISO, ASTM, and JIS standards to ensure flatness, bonding integrity, and surface quality. Advanced inspection techniques like ultrasonic testing and eddy current testing are used to detect bonding flaws.

Applications of Copper Aluminum Clad Plate in Key Industries
1: Electrical and Power Industry
Copper aluminum clad plates are widely used in:

Busbars

Terminal connectors

Switchgears

Transformer components

These applications benefit from the high conductivity of copper and the lightweight properties of aluminum, improving energy efficiency and reducing equipment weight.

2: New Energy Vehicles (NEVs)
NEVs require components that support high-current transmission, lightweight body structures, and battery connectors. Copper aluminum clad plates are widely used in:

Battery tabs and transition joints

Busbars in battery management systems (BMS)

Inverter and power module interfaces

3: Heat Exchangers and Cooling Systems
Due to excellent thermal conductivity, copper aluminum clad plates are also used in radiators, HVAC systems, and heat sinks for LED lights and power electronics.

4: Photovoltaic and Wind Energy
Copper aluminum clad materials are emerging as a key component in renewable energy infrastructure, serving as cable lugs, solar module connectors, and wind turbine grounding systems.

Technical Specifications and Material Grades
1: Standard Dimensions
Thickness range: 0.5 mm to 100 mm

Width: up to 1000 mm

Length: customizable, up to 6000 mm

2. Copper layer: T2, TU1, C11000

Aluminum base: 1050, 1060, 3003, 5052, 5083

The thickness ratio can be tailored according to customer requirements, such as 15% copper and 85% aluminum, or other configurations depending on the application.

 Frequently Asked Questions
1: Is copper aluminum clad plate suitable for welding?
Yes, but it requires specialized welding techniques, such as friction stir welding or explosive welding, to maintain bonding integrity and prevent galvanic corrosion.

2: Can copper aluminum clad plates be customized for different thickness ratios?
Absolutely. Manufacturers can produce copper aluminum clad plates with custom thickness ratios (e.g., 20:80 or 10:90), depending on electrical load and mechanical strength requirements.

3: What is the delivery time for bulk orders?
Typical lead times range from 2–4 weeks, depending on the quantity, size specifications, and custom bonding requirements.

4: Choosing the Right Supplier for Copper Aluminum Clad Plate
When sourcing copper aluminum clad plates, it’s essential to select a supplier that offers:

Explosion or diffusion bonding expertise

Certified quality management systems (ISO 9001)

Flexible customization and technical support

Competitive pricing with global delivery

A reputable manufacturer will also assist in design optimization, helping you integrate copper aluminum clad plate solutions into your products more effectively.

Why Baoji City ShenAo Metal Is a Trusted Name in Clad Metal Technology
Baoji City ShenAo Metal Materials Co., Ltd. specializes in non-ferrous metal composite materials, with a strong focus on copper aluminum clad plate production. Leveraging advanced explosion welding and hot rolling equipment, we provide high-performance, customized bimetallic solutions to clients in energy, transportation, electronics, and environmental protection industries.

Key Benefits:
20+ years of industry experience

Strict adherence to international standards

Advanced bonding and testing technology

Global export capabilities

Contact Us Today
Ready to explore how copper aluminum clad plate can benefit your application?

Email: zh@baojiti.com.cn
Website: shenaocladplate.com
Phone: +86-18729731603