ALLOY C18080 (K88): A NEW ALLOY COMBINING HIGH CONDUCTIVITY, GOOD STRENGTH AND FORMABILITY WITH EXCELLENT ELEVATED TEMPERATURE STRESS RELAXATION RESISTANCE

摘要

C18080/K88 is a new precipitation strengthened alloy, which is the result of joint alloy development between Olin Brass (USA) and Wieland Werke (Germany). C18080 addresses the continuing demand for higher conductivity copper alloys with improved strength, formability and stress relaxation for application as electronic and automotive connectors. A further benefit of the joint development is its immediate global availability. The alloy has strength up to 80ksi combined with 80%IACS electrical conductivity and 0.5t bends. These properties, combined with the ability to operate at temperatures up to 200°C make the alloy suitable for the most demanding applications. This paper will outline the basic metallurgy of the alloy and compare its properties to other currently available high reliability and high conductivity copper alloys. Conductivity, strength, bend formability, stress relaxation resistance, platability and solderability will all be discussed.