Tinned copper flat bars for next-day delivery
Alumeco is expanding our existing range of copper flat bars with tinned flat bars directly from our main warehouses.
Tinned flat bars come with a range of advantages compared to untreated or raw copper: Tinned flat bars are more corrosion-resistant, more compatible with other materials and ensure better contact for electrical conductivity.
A wide range ā for all your needs
We will initially stock tinned flat bars in dimensions from 30x10 mm to 100x10 mm. As always, other dimensions can be obtained as needed.
The bars are electro-plated with 5-8 mĪ¼ tin. Electro-plating allows for a very accurate layer thickness, which ensures a precise combination of the best properties from both copper and tin.
Why tinned copper?
Tin protects the copper surface from oxygen and is also softer than copper. This creates a bigger contact area between two terminals, because tin surfaces can more easily be pressed together. A tin surface simply has less stubborn irregularities at the microscopic level.
Another advantage is that tin is less noble than copper, which decreases the risk of galvanic corrosion. Copper tends to "eat" less noble metals such as steel and aluminium, if the metals are placed closely together.
Suitable for harsh environments
Tinned flat bars are especially useful for switchboards or distribution systems on ships, close to the sea or in other harsh environments. These environments increase the risk and rate of oxidation, if the copper is unprotected.
Oxidation is the reaction that causes copper to brown over time and eventually turn green. And this is not just an aesthetic problem: Oxidation lowers the conductivity of copper, making installations less efficient over time.
Moisture, salt and sulphur speed up the oxidation process. This is why tinning ā or other surface treatments ā is advised for copper use close to the sea.
