Copper Materials for Continuous Casting Moulds
We manufacture copper mould tubes using TP2 / Cu-DHP, CuAg0.1 and CuCrZr copper materials, selected according to the required casting conditions and mould design. Features, typical composition, comparison and a selection guide are below.
Copper Materials for Copper Mould Tubes
The copper mould must combine high thermal conductivity with suitable mechanical strength and resistance to thermal stress. The right grade depends on caster design, billet section, casting speed, thermal load, cooling conditions and required service performance.
TP2 / Cu-DHP
Phosphorus deoxidized copperTP2, commonly referred to as Cu-DHP, is the phosphorus-deoxidized copper grade most widely used for continuous casting mould tubes. Good thermal conductivity, suitable mechanical properties and good manufacturing performance for conventional casting.
- Good thermal conductivity
- Good machinability and forming properties
- Suitable high-temperature fatigue resistance
- Widely used for CCM mould tubes
- Suitable for conventional casting conditions
- Cost-effective material option
| Element | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Cu | Balance |
| P | 0.015–0.040 % |
CuAg0.1
Silver-bearing copperA silver-bearing copper alloy with approximately 0.08–0.12 % Ag. Silver raises the recrystallization temperature compared with standard phosphorus-deoxidized copper and improves thermal stability at elevated operating temperatures.
- High thermal conductivity
- Improved high-temperature stability
- Higher recrystallization temperature than Cu-DHP
- Good resistance to thermal stress
- Suitable for demanding mould applications
- Available for billet CCM mould tubes
| Element | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Cu | Balance |
| Ag | 0.08–0.12 % |
| P | 0.004–0.012 % |
CuCrZr
Chromium zirconium copperA precipitation-strengthened copper alloy containing chromium and zirconium. Substantially higher mechanical strength at elevated temperatures than Cu-DHP while retaining good thermal conductivity, for the most demanding mould applications.
- High mechanical strength
- High-temperature strength
- Good thermal conductivity
- High resistance to thermal fatigue
- High recrystallization temperature
- Suitable for demanding casting conditions
| Element | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Cu | Balance |
| Cr | 0.30–1.20 % |
| Zr | 0.03–0.30 % |
Copper Material Comparison
General material-property differences among the three grades. Exact values vary with material condition, standard and manufacturer.
| Property | TP2 / Cu-DHP | CuAg0.1 | CuCrZr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material type | Phosphorus deoxidized copper | Silver-bearing copper | Chromium zirconium copper |
| Main alloying element | P | Ag | Cr + Zr |
| Typical Ag | — | 0.08–0.12 % | — |
| Typical Cr | — | — | 0.30–1.20 % |
| Typical Zr | — | — | 0.03–0.30 % |
| Thermal conductivity | High | High | High |
| High-temperature strength | Standard | Improved | High |
| Recrystallization resistance | Standard | Improved | High |
| Manufacturing difficulty | Relatively easy | Moderate | Higher |
| Typical application | Standard casting | Higher thermal load | Demanding casting conditions |
How to Select Copper Material for a Mould Tube
Consider the actual casting conditions rather than simply choosing the highest-strength alloy. The final material is selected according to the caster design and operating conditions.
TP2 / Cu-DHP
A practical choice for standard billet continuous casting where good thermal conductivity, manufacturability and cost control are important.
CuAg0.1
When the mould experiences higher thermal loading or needs improved thermal stability compared with conventional Cu-DHP.
CuCrZr
For more demanding thermal and mechanical conditions, particularly where elevated-temperature strength and resistance to deformation are important.
Copper Materials for Different Mould Products
Used for copper mould tubes, copper mould plates, copper mould assemblies, billet moulds, square and rectangular mould tubes and customized continuous casting moulds. For copper mould tubes the available grades are TP2 / Cu-DHP, CuAg0.1 and CuCrZr.
Copper Mould Tube Material Selection
When requesting a quotation, specify your preferred copper grade with the tube dimensions, for example:
Material: TP2 / Cu-DHP Section: 130 × 130 mm Radius: R6 / 6000 mm Length: 900 mm
Material: CuAg0.1 Section: 150 × 150 mm Radius: R6 / 6000 mm Length: 900 mm
Material: CuCrZr Section: Customized Radius: Customized Length: Customized
Material Inspection and Quality Control
The copper material is inspected according to the agreed purchasing specification. Typical material documentation:
Customized Copper Mould Tube Materials
If you are replacing an existing copper mould tube, provide the original material specification whenever available. We review the existing copper grade, mould tube dimensions, caster radius, tube length, wall thickness, internal taper, surface coating and casting conditions, and confirm the copper grade before production.
Request a Copper Mould Tube Quote
Specify the copper grade and tube dimensions; send your drawing and material specification to sales@coppermouldtube.com or WhatsApp. We quote within one working day.