Market Insight: 50X6 Mm Copper Strip

Market Analysis: Transformer Strip/Foil (Aluminum/Copper)

The global transformer industry continues to exhibit sustained demand for high-performance conductive materials, with copper strip—particularly in standardized dimensions such as 50×6 mm—playing a pivotal role in the construction of low- and medium-voltage transformers. This dimensional specification, 50 mm in width and 6 mm in thickness, is commonly utilized in winding applications where high current-carrying capacity, structural rigidity, and efficient heat dissipation are required. The 50×6 mm copper strip is especially prevalent in shell-type and core-type distribution transformers, where it serves as a primary conductor in low-voltage windings.

Industrial demand for this product is driven by ongoing investments in power infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and South America, where electrification projects and grid modernization are accelerating. Additionally, the renewable energy sector—specifically solar and wind power installations—relies heavily on transformers for voltage regulation and power conditioning, further amplifying the need for reliable copper strip supply. The 50×6 mm profile offers an optimal balance between cross-sectional area (300 mm²) and formability, allowing for tight winding radii without compromising electrical performance.

Material quality is a critical determinant in transformer efficiency, longevity, and safety. Copper strips used in transformer windings must meet stringent metallurgical standards, including high electrical conductivity (minimum 98% IACS), low oxygen content (≤20 ppm), and uniform mechanical properties across the length of the strip. Impurities, micro-cracks, or inconsistent dimensional tolerances can lead to localized heating, increased eddy current losses, and premature insulation failure. Furthermore, surface finish quality directly impacts the integrity of insulation wrapping, which is typically applied via mica tape or polymer films. A smooth, oxide-free surface ensures strong adhesion and dielectric reliability under thermal cycling.

At Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd., we apply over two decades of metallurgical and supply chain expertise to the production and distribution of high-purity copper and aluminum strips for transformer applications. Our 50×6 mm copper strip is manufactured under ISO 9001-certified processes, ensuring tight dimensional control (±0.1 mm on thickness, ±0.2 mm on width), consistent annealing profiles, and full traceability from raw material to finished product. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing for conductivity, tensile strength, and surface defects, meeting or exceeding IEC 60468 and ASTM B187 standards.

As transformer manufacturers strive to meet Tier 1 efficiency standards (e.g., DOE 2016, EU EcoDesign), the role of premium-grade copper strip becomes increasingly significant. Substandard materials may reduce initial costs but often result in higher total cost of ownership due to energy losses and maintenance. In this context, sourcing from technically capable and quality-focused suppliers is not merely a procurement decision—it is a strategic investment in system reliability and performance.

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Technical Specs: 50X6 Mm Copper Strip

Technical Specifications: 50×6 mm Copper Strip for Transformer Applications

Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum CO., Ltd. provides precision-engineered copper strip solutions for critical power transmission components, including transformer windings and busbars. While our core expertise spans aluminum alloys, we leverage 20+ years of metallurgical and supply chain experience to deliver certified copper products meeting stringent global standards. The 50×6 mm (width x thickness) copper strip detailed herein is manufactured to exacting tolerances essential for minimizing eddy current losses and ensuring thermal stability in high-efficiency transformers. Material conformity adheres to ASTM B152 (C11000 Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper) or equivalent EN 13601 standards, with rigorous validation of electrical and mechanical properties.

Critical dimensional accuracy is non-negotiable for lamination stacking and automated winding processes. Width tolerance is maintained at ±0.05 mm across the 50 mm nominal dimension, while thickness control achieves ±0.002 mm precision via computerized precision slitting lines with laser-guided edge tracking. This sub-micron tolerance ensures uniform magnetic flux distribution and prevents core saturation. Edge quality is equally paramount; all strips undergo double-sided deburring to eliminate micro-burrs exceeding 0.01 mm, verified through optical profilometry. Burr-free edges prevent insulation damage during coil winding and mitigate partial discharge risks in final assemblies. Surface roughness (Ra) is held below 0.4 μm to optimize varnish adhesion and reduce interfacial resistance.

Electrical performance is validated through direct conductivity measurement per ASTM B3. Minimum conductivity is guaranteed at 100% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) at 20°C, corresponding to a resistivity of ≤0.017241 Ω·mm²/m. This ensures minimal resistive losses under operational loads. Mechanical properties balance formability with structural integrity: tensile strength ranges 200–240 MPa, yield strength 60–100 MPa, and elongation ≥40% in 50 mm, enabling complex shaping without cracking. Flatness deviation is controlled to ≤2 mm per meter to prevent winding misalignment.

The following table summarizes key technical parameters for the 50×6 mm copper strip:

Parameter	Specification	Test Standard
Material Grade	C11000 (ETP Copper)	ASTM B152 / EN 13601
Nominal Dimensions	50.00 mm (W) x 6.00 mm (T)	–
Width Tolerance	±0.05 mm	ISO 9445
Thickness Tolerance	±0.002 mm	ISO 9445
Edge Burr	≤0.01 mm	Optical Microscopy
Conductivity	≥100% IACS	ASTM B3
Surface Roughness (Ra)	≤0.4 μm	ISO 4287
Tensile Strength	200–240 MPa	ASTM E8
Elongation	≥40%	ASTM E8
Flatness	≤2 mm/m	ISO 25178

All production batches include certified mill test reports (MTRs) documenting chemical composition, conductivity, and dimensional verification. Strips are supplied in coil form (ID 508 mm) with anti-tarnish packaging, free of surface oxides or handling marks. Our supply chain integrates real-time QC checks at slitting, edging, and cleaning stages, ensuring zero non-conformities reach transformer manufacturers. For mission-critical applications, Xinzhaohe offers optional 100% inline optical inspection and custom annealing profiles to meet project-specific loss requirements. Partner with us for copper strip where precision directly translates to transformer efficiency and longevity.

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Factory Tour: Manufacturing

Manufacturing Process of 50×6 mm Copper Strip at Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd

The production of 50×6 mm copper strip at Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd follows a tightly controlled, multi-stage manufacturing sequence designed to ensure dimensional accuracy, surface integrity, and consistent electrical and mechanical performance. With over two decades of specialization in non-ferrous strip and foil production for power transmission applications, our process integrates advanced cold rolling technology with precision slitting and edge conditioning to meet stringent industry standards for transformer and busbar applications.

The process begins with high-conductivity electrolytic copper (typically C11000 or C10100) sourced from certified refineries. These raw materials undergo initial inspection for chemical composition and surface quality before being fed into the cold rolling mill. Cold rolling is performed on a reversing mill under precise roll gap and tension control to reduce the incoming copper slab or hot-rolled strip to the target thickness of 6 mm. This stage is critical for achieving uniform thickness tolerance (±0.05 mm as per ASTM B187) and enhancing the material’s mechanical strength through work hardening. The rolling parameters—including reduction ratio, rolling speed, and interpass annealing cycles—are optimized based on the required temper (typically H02, H03, or O-soft temper).

Following cold rolling, the copper strip undergoes precision slitting to achieve the final width of 50 mm. Slitting is conducted on a high-precision rotary shear line equipped with tungsten carbide circular blades and automatic width adjustment systems. The line is calibrated to minimize burr formation and edge deformation, ensuring straightness and dimensional repeatability. During slitting, strip tension is actively monitored and controlled to prevent edge waviness or camber, with maximum deviation maintained below 1 mm per meter of length.

Edge conditioning is the next critical phase, especially for transformer applications where sharp edges can lead to insulation damage and partial discharge. The 50×6 mm strip passes through a dedicated edge rounding and deburring module, where mechanical brushing and controlled edge rolling smooth the longitudinal edges. The resulting edge profile is semi-rounded with a consistent radius of 0.1–0.3 mm, eliminating micro-cracks and stress concentration points.

Throughout the production cycle, in-process quality control (QC) checks are enforced at multiple stages. These include real-time laser micrometer measurements for thickness and width, surface defect inspection via high-resolution line-scan cameras, and periodic tensile and conductivity testing. Each production lot is accompanied by a full material test report (FMTR) verifying compliance with ASTM B187, IEC 60183, and customer-specific technical specifications. Final inspection includes visual examination for surface defects such as scratches, pits, or oxidation, followed by controlled coiling and protective packaging to prevent mechanical damage during transit.

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Packaging & Logistics

Export Packaging Specifications for 50×6 mm Copper Strip

Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd implements rigorously engineered export packaging protocols for 50×6 mm copper strip shipments, specifically designed to mitigate the unique risks of intercontinental sea freight. Copper’s susceptibility to moisture-induced oxidation and electrochemical corrosion during prolonged ocean transit necessitates a multi-barrier approach exceeding standard industrial practices. Our methodology integrates structural integrity, environmental isolation, and regulatory compliance to ensure product integrity from factory to final destination.

All copper strip coils undergo initial vacuum-sealing within high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film with a minimum thickness of 125 microns. This primary barrier eliminates ambient air contact and prevents surface tarnishing. Coils are then securely mounted onto custom-engineered wooden pallets constructed from ISPM-15 certified, kiln-dried hardwood. These pallets feature load-bearing capacities exceeding 2,500 kg per unit and incorporate non-slip rubberized surfaces to prevent coil displacement during vessel motion. Critical dimensional and material specifications are summarized below.

Parameter	Specification	Compliance Standard
Pallet Material	Kiln-dried hardwood (≤19% moisture)	ISPM-15
Pallet Dimensions	1,200 x 1,000 x 150 mm (customizable)	ISO 6780
Load Capacity	≥ 2,500 kg	ISTA 3E
Primary Film Thickness	≥ 125 microns HDPE	ASTM D2473
Secondary Film Layers	Triple-layer VCI-impregnated LDPE	MIL-PRF-22019

The palletized assembly is then encased in a secondary moisture-vapor barrier system comprising triple-layer vacuum-sealed LDPE film infused with volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCI). This system maintains internal relative humidity below 60% for 120+ days, neutralizing chloride ions prevalent in marine atmospheres. Desiccant packs rated at 1,000g per cubic meter are strategically positioned within the film envelope to absorb residual moisture. The entire package is secured using non-metallic polyester strapping to eliminate galvanic corrosion risks between steel components and copper surfaces.

Pallet configurations strictly adhere to ISO container load optimization principles, with maximum stack heights limited to two tiers to prevent bottom-coil deformation under ISO 14000 environmental conditions. Each package bears permanent markings indicating handling orientation, gross/net weight, humidity indicator cards, and copper-specific hazard warnings per IMDG Code Section 5.2. Our packaging validation process includes 72-hour salt spray testing (ASTM B117) and simulated voyage vibration analysis (ASTM D999) to verify performance under extreme conditions.

This integrated system directly addresses the hygroscopic properties of copper and the saline exposure inherent in sea freight. By eliminating moisture ingress pathways and suppressing electrochemical degradation mechanisms, we ensure the 50×6 mm strip arrives with surface resistivity and dimensional tolerances fully compliant with IEC 60138 specifications. For high-humidity destination ports, we recommend supplementary nitrogen purging—a service available upon request—to further extend corrosion protection duration. All packaging materials are fully recyclable and meet EU REACH regulations, reflecting our commitment to sustainable supply chain practices without compromising cargo safety.

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Sourcing from Luoyang Xinzhaohe

Partner with Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd for Precision Copper Strip Supply

Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd brings over two decades of specialized expertise in the production and supply of high-performance transformer strip and foil, serving global markets with precision-engineered aluminum and copper products. As a trusted partner in the power transmission and distribution sector, we offer fully integrated manufacturing capabilities tailored to meet the stringent demands of transformer, inductor, and busbar applications.

Our production facility is equipped with advanced rolling, annealing, and slitting lines designed to ensure dimensional accuracy, superior surface finish, and consistent mechanical properties in every batch of 50×6 mm copper strip produced. Utilizing high-conductivity electrolytic copper (T2 grade or equivalent), we maintain tight control over tolerances, typically holding ±0.05 mm on thickness and ±0.1 mm on width, with flatness deviations kept within 1 mm over 1-meter length. This precision ensures seamless integration into winding and stacking processes, minimizing waste and enhancing end-product reliability.

Quality assurance is embedded throughout our manufacturing workflow. In-process and final inspections are conducted using state-of-the-art testing equipment, including eddy current flaw detectors, tensile testers, micro-ohmmeters, and surface profilometers. Each coil is certified for electrical conductivity (≥98% IACS), chemical composition, and mechanical strength, with full traceability from raw material to finished product. Our quality management system is ISO 9001 certified, reflecting our commitment to continuous improvement and compliance with international standards.

We support both small trial orders and high-volume production runs, with monthly copper strip output capacity exceeding 800 metric tons. Our logistics infrastructure enables efficient container loading and global shipment, with standard lead times of 15–20 days for containerized orders. All packaging is export-grade, utilizing waterproof wrapping, wooden pallets, and steel strapping to prevent moisture ingress and mechanical damage during transit.

As a vertically integrated supplier, we maintain direct control over raw material sourcing, processing, and quality verification—eliminating third-party dependencies and ensuring cost stability and supply continuity. Our technical team provides full material documentation, including mill test reports (MTRs), and is available for engineering consultation on material selection, formability, and application-specific performance optimization.

For reliable, high-precision 50×6 mm copper strip that meets the rigorous demands of modern transformer manufacturing, partner with Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd. Our combination of technical depth, production scale, and customer-focused service makes us a strategic supplier for global OEMs and tier-one component manufacturers.

Contact us today to request a technical datasheet, sample, or quotation.
Email: cathy@transformerstrip.com

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