Why Do Electronic Connectors Use Copper?
Without electronic connectors, nearly every kind of technology would cease to work. There would be no way for energy to transfer from a source to the machinery. There would be no way for your audio to be heard. There would be no way for information to be absorbed by those hungry for knowledge. Electronic connectors do so much but how is it capable of providing all of these wonderful services? Copper is the answer.
What is Copper?
The first two questions people have when it comes to this base/industrial metal is where is it found and what does it do. This reddish metal can be found in a multitude of environments: basaltic lavas, seaweed ashes, various sea corals, and—surprisingly—in our livers. However, the copper in human bodies is slightly different from the copper used for machinery. For one, the copper in humans are a trace mineral and not a solid metal sitting in our body. This trace mineral provides necessary nutrients to keep us alive. However, when the base/industrial metal is collected and processed from external, non-human sources, it creates the technology we know and love.
How Does Copper Help Electronic Connectors?
Out of all of the reasons to use copper for electronic connectors, there are four main motives: extreme affordability, high conductivity, powerful resistance, and exceptional ductility. Seeing as copper is a drastically more accessible base/industrial metal and possesses vastly more powers when compared to other metals, it’s no surprise how it’s significantly more popular. Is copper the strongest conductive metal, though? No, silver is. “Why not use silver then?” Unfortunately, silver is unreasonably more expensive and fragile; causing expenses and replacements to rise.
In addition to its massive affordability, copper allows the manufacturer to need less while providing more, such as going farther distances than other “fancier” or “cheaper” metals. How does it accomplish this? Copper, with its powerful malleability, allows the base/industrial metal to be stretched and warped without breakages occurring as frequently. This longevity also ensures it can survive in harsher environments, as well as prevent the appearance of rust. Modern civilization wouldn’t be as high-quality without copper, which is why it’s crucial to understand how it works and how much it costs.
The Average Cost of Copper
Copper, in 1959, used to be as affordable as an estimated $0.31 per pound. Today, copper is about $3.88 per pound (identified on January 24, 2023). What determines these rates? While there isn’t a definitive answer, there are a few factors one can examine: supply and demand of the base/industrial metal, power of the national currency, and the economic growth of the nation needing and the nation supplying the material.
For instance, faster growing countries are going to need more copper for infrastructure, which means pinpointing the most affordable source to work with. However, if a once abundant location is running out of this base/industrial metal, the nation importing it may have to turn to an alternative exporter. Additionally, this alternative supplier may increase their rates since they are gaining global popularity.
We understand evaluating the cost of copper can be confusing, but it doesn’t need to be. There are experts simplifying this process with premium algorithms. These financial systems will identify the average price of copper so you can enter the meeting having the most credible information. You will also be able to identify when the price of copper will rise or when there is a high probability of it falling. Altogether, being in the world of technology is full of innovation but understanding a foundation of the industry is just as important.
Contact Oupiin Group Today!
The use of copper can be found in Oupiin Group’s automotive connectors, board-to-board connectors, USB connectors, card edge connectors, backplane connectors, and so much more. Without copper, we wouldn’t have been able to support growing and local businesses. We can even provide documentation on electronic connector specifications and materials used so you are comfortable doing business with us. Please feel free to email us at sales@oupiin.com.tw or give us a call at our headquarters: +886-3-3655030 (Taoyuan, Taiwan) and/or email us at sales@oupiin.com or give us a call at one of our international offices: 1(661) 294-0228 for the California, United States of America location. We look forward to any and all communication.
