Market Insight: C1100 Copper Strip

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

The global transformer industry continues to rely heavily on high-conductivity materials for efficient energy transfer, with C1100 copper strip emerging as a critical component in high-performance applications. C1100, also known as electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper with ultra-high purity (minimum 99.90% Cu), is specifically engineered to deliver optimal electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical formability. These attributes make it particularly suitable for use in transformer windings, tap changers, and busbar connections where consistent performance under continuous load is essential.

Industrial demand for C1100 copper strip in transformers is driven by the need for energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, and system reliability. As global energy standards such as IEC 60076 and IEEE C57.12.00 place increasing emphasis on minimizing no-load and load losses, manufacturers are compelled to adopt conductive materials that reduce resistive heating and improve overall efficiency. C1100 copper strip, with its minimum conductivity of 100% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), directly contributes to lowering I²R losses in transformer windings. This is especially critical in distribution and power transformers deployed in urban grids, industrial plants, and renewable energy systems where operational uptime and efficiency are paramount.

While aluminum foil and strip remain cost-effective alternatives in certain transformer designs, copper—particularly in the form of C1100 strip—retains a dominant position in high-reliability and high-load applications. The material’s superior current-carrying capacity per unit cross-sectional area allows for more compact transformer designs without compromising thermal performance. Additionally, copper’s inherent resistance to creep, oxidation, and thermal cycling fatigue ensures long-term structural integrity in demanding environments.

Quality in C1100 copper strip is not a marginal consideration—it is a fundamental determinant of transformer performance and lifespan. Impurities such as oxygen, sulfur, or metallic residuals can significantly degrade conductivity and promote embrittlement during processing or service. For instance, excessive oxygen content can lead to hydrogen embrittlement in annealed conditions, resulting in microcracking during coil winding. Similarly, inconsistent thickness tolerance or surface defects can compromise insulation integrity and increase localized heating risks. Therefore, precision in rolling, strict atmospheric control during annealing, and rigorous inline quality inspection are non-negotiable in the production of transformer-grade copper strip.

Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd leverages over two decades of metallurgical expertise to supply C1100 copper strip that meets or exceeds international standards. Our production process integrates controlled hot and cold rolling, continuous annealing under protective atmospheres, and laser-based dimensional monitoring to ensure uniformity in conductivity, mechanical properties, and surface finish. Each batch undergoes comprehensive testing for chemical composition, electrical resistivity, and tensile properties to guarantee compliance with transformer manufacturers’ technical specifications.

In summary, the sustained industrial demand for C1100 copper strip in transformers reflects its irreplaceable role in achieving energy-efficient, reliable, and compact power systems. As grid modernization and electrification accelerate worldwide, the importance of material quality in core components like transformer strip will only intensify.

Technical Specs: C1100 Copper Strip

Technical Specifications for C1100 Copper Strip

Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd leverages 20+ years of metallurgical expertise to deliver C1100 electrolytic tough-pitch (ETP) copper strip meeting stringent transformer industry demands. Our production adheres to ASTM B111/B111M and GB/T 5231 standards, with critical emphasis on dimensional precision, edge integrity, and electrical performance. The following parameters define our baseline offering for transformer strip applications, validated through in-line metrology and third-party certification.

Precision slitting at ±0.002 mm width tolerance is achieved via servo-driven rotary shear lines with real-time laser micrometer feedback. This eliminates cumulative dimensional errors during high-speed transformer winding, reducing scrap rates by 18–22% compared to industry-standard ±0.01 mm tolerances. Edge quality is rigorously controlled through diamond-coated tooling and automated edge-profile scanning, ensuring burr heights remain below 0.005 mm. Such burr suppression is non-negotiable for multi-layer foil windings, where microscopic protrusions compromise insulation integrity and accelerate partial discharge.

Electrical conductivity consistently exceeds 101 %IACS due to proprietary melt-refining protocols that reduce impurities to <50 ppm total. This surpasses the ASTM minimum of 100 %IACS, directly enhancing transformer efficiency by minimizing I²R losses. Conductivity validation follows ASTM E1004 eddy-current testing at three coil locations per 500 kg batch, with certificates traceable to NIST standards. Surface finish is maintained at Ra ≤0.4 μm through precision rolling and electrolytic cleaning, preventing localized field concentration that could initiate corona discharge.

All coils undergo 100% inline flatness verification via optical profilometry, with deviations capped at 0.3 mm/m to ensure uniform magnetic permeability across laminated cores. Thickness uniformity is held to ±1.5% across the strip width, verified via beta-gauge sensors at 200 Hz sampling rates. Material traceability is enforced through laser-etched batch codes linking to melt chemistry reports, mechanical test data, and conductivity logs. Our ISO 9001:2015-certified process includes destructive testing on sacrificial samples from every coil, covering tensile strength (220–380 MPa), elongation (≥3%), and grain structure per ASTM E3/E112. This integrated approach guarantees C1100 strip that meets the exacting reliability requirements of modern high-efficiency transformers.

Factory Tour: Manufacturing

Manufacturing Process of C1100 Copper Strip at Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd

The production of C1100 copper strip at Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd follows a tightly controlled, multi-stage manufacturing sequence designed to ensure dimensional accuracy, superior surface quality, and consistent electrical and mechanical performance. As a specialized supplier with over 20 years of experience in transformer-grade conductive strips and foils, our process integrates advanced cold rolling technology with precision slitting and edge conditioning to meet stringent industry standards for high-performance electrical applications.

The manufacturing begins with high-purity electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper in the form of hot-rolled coils, which are first subjected to intermediate annealing and pickling to remove surface oxides and ensure uniform metallurgical structure. The material then undergoes cold rolling, a critical stage where thickness reduction is achieved through multiple rolling passes at ambient temperature. Our computer-controlled 4-high and 6-high rolling mills are equipped with automatic gauge control (AGC) systems to maintain thickness tolerances within ±0.005 mm across the strip width. Cold rolling not only achieves the target gauge—typically ranging from 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm—but also enhances the material’s tensile strength and conductivity through strain hardening. Throughout rolling, precise roll grinding and surface finishing protocols are employed to ensure a defect-free, smooth surface finish essential for downstream processing and insulation compatibility in transformer windings.

Following cold rolling, the copper strip is subjected to precision slitting to achieve the required final width. Utilizing high-speed rotary shear slitters with tungsten-carbide blades, we can slit coils to widths as narrow as 5 mm with edge deviation controlled to within ±0.1 mm. The slitting line is integrated with laser measurement systems for real-time width verification and automatic blade positioning, ensuring high repeatability and minimizing material waste. Tension control systems maintain consistent strip flatness during slitting, preventing edge wave or center buckling.

Edge conditioning is the final shaping step, where slit edges are deburred and rounded to eliminate sharp burrs and micro-cracks that could compromise winding integrity or cause dielectric breakdown in transformer applications. Our proprietary edge rolling and brushing systems produce a uniform, smooth edge profile that enhances safety and performance during coil winding operations.

Throughout the process, comprehensive quality control measures are implemented. In-process inspections include continuous surface defect detection via high-resolution CCD cameras, eddy current testing for subsurface flaws, and periodic sampling for tensile testing, hardness measurement, and grain structure analysis. Final product certification includes full dimensional reports, conductivity verification (minimum 98% IACS), and visual inspection under standardized lighting. All batches are traceable through our integrated quality management system, compliant with ISO 9001 standards, ensuring consistent delivery of C1100 copper strip that meets the exacting demands of global transformer manufacturers.

Packaging & Logistics

Export Packaging Specifications for C11000 Copper Strip
Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum CO., Ltd implements rigorously engineered export packaging protocols for C11000 electrolytic tough pitch copper strip shipments, specifically designed to mitigate risks inherent in global sea freight. Our 20+ years of metallurgical and supply chain expertise confirm that inadequate packaging remains a primary cause of material degradation during ocean transit, particularly for high-conductivity copper products susceptible to moisture-induced oxidation and electrochemical corrosion. We address these vulnerabilities through a dual-system approach combining structural integrity and environmental barriers.

All copper strip coils are secured on custom-engineered wooden pallets constructed from kiln-dried, ISPM 15-compliant hardwood. These pallets undergo thermal treatment to eliminate biological contaminants and achieve a maximum moisture content of 18%, preventing fungal growth and structural warping during extended voyages. Pallet dimensions are optimized for ISO container compatibility, with load-bearing capacities exceeding 2,500 kg per unit to withstand multi-tier stacking and dynamic forces encountered during rough seas. Coils are mechanically fastened using tensioned steel strapping anchored to pallet stringers, eliminating lateral movement that could cause edge damage or coil collapse. Critical reinforcement zones at the coil core and outer diameter prevent deformation under vertical compression loads.

The moisture protection system constitutes our primary defense against salt-laden marine atmospheres. Each palletized load is first wrapped in a 125-micron multilayer polyethylene vapor barrier film with a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of ≤0.5 g/m²/24hr at 38°C and 90% RH. This film is heat-sealed at all seams to create a hermetic enclosure, followed by the strategic placement of silica gel desiccants calculated at 500g per cubic meter of enclosed volume. A secondary layer of UV-stabilized polypropylene woven fabric provides abrasion resistance against container walls and handling equipment. This dual-envelope methodology maintains internal relative humidity below 40% throughout typical 30-60 day transits, preventing the formation of copper oxide (Cu₂O) and hydroxide (Cu(OH)₂) that compromise electrical conductivity and surface finish.

Our packaging protocol aligns with ASTM D3951 Level C requirements for critical materials and has been validated through accelerated salt spray testing (ASTM B117) and real-world shipment monitoring via IoT hygrometers. This system ensures C11000 strip arrives with surface cleanliness meeting ASTM B152 standards and dimensional tolerances within ±0.02mm, eliminating costly rework or rejection at destination ports. For projects requiring enhanced protection, we offer vacuum-sealed nitrogen purging as an upgrade option. All packaging components are fully recyclable and comply with IMO marine pollution regulations, reflecting our commitment to sustainable logistics without compromising material integrity. Partnering with Xinzhaohe guarantees that copper strip shipments maintain metallurgical specifications from factory gate to fabrication line, regardless of transit duration or climatic exposure.

Sourcing from Luoyang Xinzhaohe

Partner with Luoyang Xinzhaohe for High-Precision C1100 Copper Strip Production

Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd brings over two decades of specialized expertise in the production of high-purity electrical conductor materials, positioning itself as a trusted manufacturer of C1100 copper strip for transformer and power electronics applications. As a vertically integrated facility focused on transformer strip and foil solutions, we combine advanced metallurgical processing with rigorous quality assurance to deliver copper strip products that meet exacting international standards.

Our manufacturing platform is anchored in a fully controlled rolling and annealing process chain, enabling consistent production of C1100 copper strip with oxygen content maintained below 10 ppm and minimum conductivity exceeding 100% IACS. Utilizing high-frequency induction melting and continuous casting, we ensure uniform grain structure and minimal oxide inclusions, critical for applications requiring superior electrical performance and long-term thermal stability. The final product is available in tempers ranging from O (annealed) to H04 (half-hard), with thicknesses from 0.05 mm to 3.0 mm and widths up to 600 mm, all produced under ISO 9001-certified quality management protocols.

Precision slitting, tension leveling, and eddy current testing are integrated into our finishing lines to guarantee dimensional accuracy, flatness, and defect-free surfaces. Each coil undergoes 100% surface inspection and mechanical property validation via in-house tensile, hardness, and conductivity testing. Our process control systems are supported by real-time data monitoring, ensuring batch traceability and compliance with ASTM B187, GB/T 5584, and IEC 60112 specifications.

As a strategic partner, Luoyang Xinzhaohe offers scalable production capacity exceeding 15,000 metric tons annually, supported by dedicated R&D initiatives focused on improving formability and reducing anisotropy in ultra-thin copper strips. Our technical team collaborates directly with clients to optimize material parameters for specific lamination, winding, or busbar assembly processes, reducing scrap rates and enhancing end-product efficiency.

We serve leading transformer manufacturers across Asia, Europe, and North America, where reliability and consistency in material supply are mission-critical. Our logistics network ensures on-time delivery through optimized container loading and global shipping coordination, with options for just-in-time inventory support.

For sourcing managers and engineering teams seeking a stable, high-performance supply of C1100 copper strip, Luoyang Xinzhaohe provides a proven combination of technical depth, production scale, and application-specific support.

Contact us to discuss your material requirements and receive a detailed technical datasheet and sample package.
cathy@transformerstrip.com