What Are the Inherent Limitations of Copper Castings in Industrial Applications?

Although copper castings have multiple unique strengths, they also carry inherent limitations restricting certain application scenarios. Copper alloys have much higher density than aluminum alloys, so large copper castings bring obvious weight burden for lightweight mobile equipment projects. Copper alloys show weaker high-temperature resistance than iron and steel castings; long-term continuous operation under ultra-high temperature will lead to component softening and deformation. Without plating or passivation treatment, bare copper castings will gradually oxidize and produce patina in humid air, affecting appearance and partial surface conductivity. The raw material and casting cost of copper alloys are higher than cast iron and cast aluminum, not suitable for low-cost general structural parts with low performance requirements. In addition, direct contact between copper and iron in humid environments will cause galvanic corrosion, requiring isolating gaskets for dissimilar metal assembly structures.