Editorial Technical Reference

High-Purity Copper Cathode

This page explains how High-Purity Copper Cathode is classified within Non-Ferrous Metal Production. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

Electrolytically refined copper sheet used as raw material for further processing

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for High-Purity Copper Cathode

Definition
High-purity copper cathode is a semi-finished industrial material produced through electrolytic refining of blister copper. It serves as the primary raw material for manufacturing copper rods, wires, tubes, and other copper-based products. The material is characterized by its high electrical conductivity and excellent formability. It represents the standard intermediate product in copper production before downstream fabrication processes. The cathode is typically supplied as flat sheets with a thickness of 12–25 mm and a weight per sheet of 50–150 kg. Standard sheet dimensions range from 1000×1000 mm to 1200×1200 mm, with custom sizes available. The copper purity is specified as a minimum of 99.99% by weight, with a total impurity content of no more than 100 ppm. Oxygen content is limited to 10 ppm or less. Electrical conductivity is at least 101% IACS, meeting the requirements for high-conductivity applications. The material exhibits a tensile strength of 200–250 MPa in the annealed condition, with an elongation of at least 30%, indicating good ductility for forming operations. Surface roughness is maintained at or below 0.8 μm Ra, and flatness is within 3 mm/m to ensure uniform stacking. The theoretical density is 8.94 g/cm³. These parameters are referenced against standards such as GB/T 467-2010, IEC 60028, GB/T 1031-2009, GB/T 2040-2008, GB/T 228.1-2010, and GB/T 1423-1996. As a neutral directory, we do not manufacture or supply this product. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier before procurement.
Working Principle
The production of high-purity copper cathode relies on electrolytic deposition. In an electrolytic cell, a copper sulfate solution serves as the electrolyte. Blister copper is used as the anode, and stainless steel starter sheets act as the cathode. When an electric current is applied, copper ions from the solution are reduced and deposited onto the stainless steel sheets, forming a pure copper layer. Impurities either remain in the solution or settle as anode slime. The deposited copper is periodically stripped from the starter sheets to yield the final cathode. This process achieves a copper purity of at least 99.99% and controls trace element content to specified limits.
Common Materials
Copper, Trace elements
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Copper PurityRequired99.99 %Minimum copper content by weightGB/T 467-2010
Electrical ConductivityRequired≥101 % IACSElectrical conductivity relative to International Annealed Copper StandardIEC 60028
Oxygen ContentRequired≤10 ppmMaximum oxygen contentGB/T 467-2010
Sheet ThicknessRequired12–25 mmStandard thickness rangeGB/T 467-2010
Sheet WeightRequired50–150 kgStandard weight per sheet
Surface Roughness≤0.8 μm RaMaximum surface roughnessGB/T 1031-2009
Sheet Dimensions (L×W)1000×1000–1200×1200 mmCustom sizes available
Flatness≤3 mm/mEnsures uniform stackingGB/T 2040-2008
Tensile Strength200–250 MPaAnnealed conditionGB/T 228.1-2010
Elongation≥30 %High ductility for formingGB/T 228.1-2010
Impurity Content (Total)≤100 ppmSum of all trace elementsGB/T 467-2010
Density8.94 g/cm³Theoretical density of pure copperGB/T 1423-1996

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Copper Matrix Part
    Primary conductive and structural material
    Material: High-purity copper
  • Surface Oxide Layer Part
    Natural protective coating against further oxidation
    Material: Copper oxide
  • Trace Elements Part
    Residual impurities from refining process
    Material: Various metallic elements

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for High-Purity Copper Cathode.

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
purity: ≥99.99% Cu (electrolytic grade)
pressure: Atmospheric to 10 bar (standard), up to 50 bar (with structural support)
flow rate: Not applicable (static material)
temperature: Ambient to 200°C (continuous), 250°C (short-term)
surface quality: Smooth, dendrite-free, low oxide layer
thickness range: 5-25 mm (standard), custom up to 50 mm
slurry concentration: Not applicable (solid sheet product)
Media Compatibility
✓ Electroplating solutions (acidic/alkaline) ✓ High-conductivity electrical applications ✓ Copper alloy production (brass, bronze)
Unsuitable: Ammonia-containing environments (causes stress corrosion cracking)
Sizing Data Required
  • Required annual throughput (tons/year)
  • Downstream process specifications (alloy composition, purity requirements)
  • Physical dimensions for handling/processing equipment

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Surface oxidation and contamination
Cause: Exposure to atmospheric oxygen, moisture, or corrosive agents during storage or handling, leading to formation of copper oxides or sulfides that degrade purity and electrical conductivity.
Mechanical deformation and cracking
Cause: Improper handling, stacking, or transportation causing physical stress, bending, or micro-fractures, which compromise structural integrity and increase susceptibility to further degradation.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Visible discoloration (greenish patina or dark spots) indicating oxidation or contamination
  • Audible metallic rattling or abnormal sounds during handling, suggesting internal cracks or structural weakness
Engineering Tips
  • Implement controlled storage environments with inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) blanketing and humidity below 40% to prevent oxidation and moisture absorption.
  • Use specialized handling equipment with soft-contact surfaces and automated stacking systems to minimize mechanical stress and prevent deformation during logistics.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ASTM B115-18: Standard Specification for Electrolytic Copper Cathode ISO 431:1981: Copper Cathodes - Classification and Designation EN 1978:1998: Copper and copper alloys - Copper cathodes

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Chemical Composition: Cu+Ag ≥ 99.95% minimum
  • Physical Dimensions: Thickness tolerance ±5% of nominal
Quality Inspection
  • Spark-OES Spectrometry for elemental analysis
  • Visual Inspection for surface defects and contamination

Manufacturers of High-Purity Copper Cathode

Manufacturer profiles associated with High-Purity Copper Cathode.

Sourcing High-Purity Copper Cathode from China?
Tell us your specification and target quantity — we will match it against manufacturer records and come back with the factories that fit.
Request manufacturers We manufacture this

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum copper purity of this cathode?

The minimum copper content by weight is 99.99%, as specified in the source data. This value should be confirmed with the supplier for the specific batch.

What are the typical dimensions of a copper cathode sheet?

Standard sheet dimensions range from 1000×1000 mm to 1200×1200 mm, with thickness between 12 and 25 mm. Custom sizes may be available upon request.

Which standards apply to this product?

Relevant standards include GB/T 467-2010 for copper purity and oxygen content, IEC 60028 for electrical conductivity, and GB/T 228.1-2010 for tensile testing. Always verify compliance with the manufacturer.

How is the cathode produced?

It is produced by electrolytic refining of blister copper. Copper ions are deposited onto stainless steel starter sheets from a copper sulfate solution, yielding high-purity copper sheets.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.
Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for High-Purity Copper Cathode

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes
Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here
We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman
CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What we don't claim
A listing is not an endorsement. Qualify every supplier and verify every figure yourself before ordering.

Your business information is used only to process this request.

Thank you! Your message has been sent. We'll respond within 1–3 business days.
Sorry, we couldn't send your message. Please try again, or email us at contact@cnfx.com.

Need to Manufacture High-Purity Copper Cathode?

Compare manufacturer profiles with relevant product and process capability.

Previous Product
Non-Ferrous Metal Induction Melting Furnace
Last Product
Get QuotesChat