The Guide to 3D Printing with Copper
Copper has always been a challenging material in additive manufacturing. Its high thermal conductivity, one of copper’s most valuable properties, has historically posed difficulties.
However, thanks to technological advancements, it is becoming easier to reliably 3D print copper parts. This breakthrough opens the door for more complex geometries, faster lead times, and lower upfront costs than traditional manufacturing.
This guide will explore the benefits, materials, and post-processing techniques for 3D printing copper, focusing on LPBF and the types of copper materials used in various industries.
Advantages of Copper 3D Printing
Copper 3D printing offers several advantages, particularly for the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and energy industries, where copper’s electrical and thermal properties are invaluable.
High thermal and electrical conductivity: Copper’s superior conductivity is ideal for applications requiring efficient heat or electricity transfer, such as heat exchangers and electrical connectors.
Complex geometries: LPBF allows for intricate designs, such as internal cooling channels, that are difficult to achieve with traditional casting or machining methods.
Material efficiency: Additive manufacturing uses only the material required for the part, minimizing waste and reducing material costs.
Faster lead times: There is no need for complex tooling, so the production process is accelerated, making it ideal for prototyping and production parts with quick turnarounds.
Application flexibility: 3D printing with copper is helpful across various industries, from automotive heat exchangers and aerospace cooling systems to electronics and high-performance industrial tooling.
Common Materials for Copper 3D Printing
Different copper alloys and pure copper materials are commonly used in 3D printing, each offering unique properties that make them suitable for specific applications. Here are the most popular copper materials available on the MakerVerse platform:
Pure Copper (CuCP)
Pure copper is known for its unparalleled electrical and thermal conductivity, making it essential in electronics, heat exchangers, and components requiring rapid heat dissipation.
| CuCP | Yield Strength Rp 0.2% | Ultimate Tensile Strength Rm | Elongation at Break | Conductivity IACS (ASTM E1004-17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | 165-200 MPa | 235-255 MPa | 30-45 % | up to 100% |
Copper Alloy CuCrZr
This alloy combines copper’s conductivity with chromium and zirconium’s mechanical strength and durability. Due to its improved laser absorption, it is easier to work with during 3D printing than pure copper.
| CuCrZr | Yield Strength Rp 0.2% | Ultimate Tensile Strength Rm | Elongation at Break | E-Modulus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | 160-200 MPa | 210-240 MPa | 40% | 90-110 GPa |
Copper Alloy CuNi2SiCr
This copper-nickel alloy offers excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, making it suitable for harsh environments. It balances conductivity with durability and stress resistance.
CuNi2SiCr | Yield Strength Rp 0.2% | Ultimate Tensile Strength Rm | Elongation at Break | E-Modulus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | 190-250 MPa | 240-320 MPa | 32-39% | 80-100 GPa |
Post-Processing Techniques for Copper 3D Printing
After a copper part is printed using LPBF, post-processing is essential to achieve the desired mechanical properties and surface finish. Here are the most common post-processing techniques for copper parts:
Heat treatment enhances the mechanical properties of copper and copper alloys. It improves the part’s strength, durability, and stress resistance, making it more suitable for high-performance applications.
Polished: Polishing creates a smooth, reflective surface. This is particularly important for parts used in visible or high-wear areas, such as automotive and aerospace components.
Tumbled: Tumbling is a finishing process that smooths out rough edges and gives the part a uniform matte finish. This technique is often used for parts with complex geometries, where it is difficult to polish all surfaces by hand.
Painted: Painting adds a layer of protection to copper parts. It can also improve the aesthetic appeal of the part for consumer-facing products or exposed components.
CNC machined: After printing, CNC machining is often used for parts requiring tight tolerances and precise dimensions. This ensures that all critical features, such as threads and holes, meet the required specifications.
Start Your Project with MakerVerse
Copper 3D printing allows engineers and designers to create complex, high-performance parts.
Whether you need a prototype or full-scale production, MakerVerse offers the cutting-edge tools, materials, and expertise to bring your parts to life. With our services, we can help you unlock the full potential of copper.
