The Fabrication Of Copper Foil

It has been discovered that around 8000 BC, human beings started using copper for various purposes. At that time, it was turned into coins and ornaments. Copper tools were made in the Stone Age, say around 5500 BC.

Best qualities of copper

This is a metal that’s 100% recyclable. And the best part is it does not lose its quality when recycled. In fact, more than 80% of copper mined so far is still in use today, which is saying something for the extraordinary quality of this multipurpose metal.

The versatility of copper cannot be over-emphasized. It has some truly magnificent properties that make it extremely valuable for many industries. It influences both consumer and industrial applications. Its fabulous properties include malleability and ductility along with immense electrical and thermal conductivity. It is resistant to corrosion and is known for durability.

The leading manufacturers of copper products, such as Rajasthan Electric Industries, make several types of copper products like copper foil, tape, wire, and more.
Manufacturing process

There is a very specific manufacturing process that’s followed within the foil mill to make copper foil. This process includes both hot rolling and cold rolling.
If thin copper foil is to be made, either the rolling method or the electrodeposition method is used.

Here are the steps of the electrodeposition procedure:

• High grade copper is dissolved in acid to produce copper electrolyte.

• The copper electrolyte solution is then pumped into electrically charged, rotating drums that are partially immersed.

• A thin layer of copper is electrodeposited on these drums – this process is called plating.

• After the foil is made, from the copper solution, it is deposited on a titanium rotating drum where an electric force is applied to it.

• Slowly the foil starts getting deposited on the gently rotating drum – the slower the speed of this drum, the thicker the copper foil would become.

• At times, various treatments are done alongside the process to make the foil suitable for specific fabrications.

• Some treatments are done to slow down the oxidation process of copper and anti-tarnish agents are used to do that.

Rolling process

This process utilizes rolling equipment that can be divided into three types:

•  Foil mills

•  Hot rolling mills

•  Cold rolling mills

In this, thin foil in coil form is made and this undergoes various treatments till it culminates in the final shape.

Its usage is far and wide. While in traditional marketplaces, it is still used for making tools, ornaments, and coins, it is used in several applications in the modern industries. Some of these are wiring and plumbing, electrical, transport, appliances, motors, telecommunications, heating and cooling, building and construction, and many others. It is also used in the automobiles field in radiators, connectors, wiring, breaks, motors, rotors, and other equipment.

Copper, in many ways, is far more valuable than its closest counterpart – silver. This metal has played a very important part in several civilizations across the globe and will continue to do so for centuries to come.