Copper and its alloys provide excellent electrical and thermal conductivities, outstanding resistance to corrosion, ease of fabrication, and good strength and fatigue resistance. They are generally nonmagnetic, and can be readily soldered and brazed. Many copper alloys can be welded by various gas, arc, and resistance methods. They can be plated, coated with organic substances, or chemically colored to further extend the variety of available finishes.

Pure copper functions well in cables and wires, electrical contacts, and a wide variety of other parts that are required to carry electrical current. Copper and certain brasses, bronzes, and cupronickels are widely used ...