copperconstantan

Copper Constantan is a type of alloy that combines copper with a minor amount of nickel and manganese, to which a significant amount of nickel to the order of about 45% is added. The presence of nickel creates a high electrical resistance, largely independent of temperature, which does not occur in pure copper. This unique combination of properties makes Copper Constantan an attractive material for various industrial applications.

Physical properties of Copper Constantan include a high melting point and good strength. The material is capable of undergoing significant plastic deformation before failing. Its electrical resistivity increases with temperature, which makes it useful for applications involving high-temperature measurements.

Copper Constantan's flexibility, high temperature resistance, and relatively low cost make it an ideal material for making thermocouples and thermopiles. These devices utilize the Seebeck effect to measure temperature differences. Thick wires of Copper Constantan are often used for this purpose because they offer a stable and reliable current. Copper Constantan wires also exhibit high strength-to-weight ratio, which facilitates cable-winding operations. Additionally, the material does not react with oxygen or moisture, ensuring it remains stable under various environmental conditions.

Copper Constantan's specialized electrical properties have led to its use in areas such as automotive electronics. In this application, the material's insulation capabilities make it suitable for applications involving high-voltage electrical discharges. Furthermore, it can be easily soldered, bonded, and insulated for building compact circuits and sensors.