Oxidation resistant high conductivity copper alloys
AssigneesHoneywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorsChristian Gentry Miles Barr, Timothy Prost
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Abstract
A micro-alloyed copper powder was produced using gas atomization reaction synthesis, with the alloy preferably comprising Cu-0.3Zr-0.15Ag wt. %. The novel copper alloy improves the manufacturability of copper in powder bed fusion manufacturing processes by minimizing or avoiding the prior art problems associated with oxidation of the copper precursor used in additive manufacturing. Advantageously, the provided copper alloy powder maintains the high electrical conductivity of copper while addressing the prior art oxidation issue.
Claims9
A copper alloy comprising:
- about 0.26% by weight to about 0.34% by weight Zr;
- and
- about 0.11% by weight to about 0.19% by weight Ag, with the balance being Cu and optionally incidental impurities, wherein, when present, said incidental impurities are present in an amount of 0.001% by weight or lower, said % by weight being based upon the weight of said copper alloy, said alloy having at least one of:
- (i) an ultimate tensile strength of about 230 MPa to about 250 MPa;
- or
- (ii) a yield strength of about 130 MPa to about 159 MPa;
- and
- said alloy having an electrical conductivity of at least 94% IACS.
A copper alloy comprising:
- about 0.26% by weight to about 0.34% by weight Zr;
- and
- about 0.11% by weight to about 0.19% by weight Ag, with the balance being Cu and optionally incidental impurities, wherein, when present, said incidental impurities are present in an amount of 0.001% by weight or lower, said % by weight being based upon the weight of the copper alloy, said alloy having a % elongation of about 25% or more, said alloy having an ultimate tensile strength of about 230 MPa to about 250 MPa and an electrical conductivity of at least 94% IACS.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.