The addition of Magnesium to Copper produces an alloy suitable for use in the fully hard state, creating electrical conductors with a conductivity of ~75% IACS but the strength of annealed steel.
Copper Magnesium alloys were approved for use as catenary wires in transport systems during the 1990s and have continued to find new applications ever since, including in the automobile industry. Copper magnesium is available as round solid wire, stranded wire or as rolled tape.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
| | Units | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal composition | % | Cu – Balance |
| Mg – 0.2 | ||
| Others <0.12 | ||
| Density at 20°C | g/cm³ | 8.9 |
| Resistivity at 20°C | µOhm.cm | 2.25 |
| Temperature Coefficient of Resistance, 20–100°C | 1/K | 0.00317 |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 – 300°C | 1/K | 17 x 10-6 |
| Thermal conductivity at 20°C | W/mK | 310 |
| Melting point (approx.) | °C | 1150 |
| Typical Tensile strength - annealed * | N/mm² | 270-340 |
| Typical Tensile Strength – fully cold worked * | N/mm² | 600 |
| Typical Elongation at break - annealed * | % | 25 |
| Young’s Modulus (cold drawn) | GPa | 120-125 |
* Values will vary dependant upon wire diameter.
The figures given in these tables represent nominal or typical values.
Information contained within this technical data sheet is based upon the general experience of Scott Precision Wire Ltd and is believed to be correct at the time of issue.
No warranty is given or is to be implied from the details above.
Customers are advised to carry out independent tests in order to determine the suitability of any Scott Precision Wire Ltd product for an application.