CopperPlus
TM
TechNICAL Notes
CopperPlus™ delivers all of the beauty, durability, and integrity of solid
copper at lower cost, while also providing the additional advantages
of lower weight, reduced thermal expansion, faster soldering, strength
of stainless steel, and complete formability.
CopperPlus is a metallurgically bonded metallic composite strip produced
by roll bonding. The roll-bonding process is based on solid-state welding
technology, requiring no adhesive or brazing alloys to achieve a clean,
permanent, bond. The clad material has excellent bond integrity due to
the nature of the metallurgical bond that develops between the
copper and stainless steel layers.
Agway Metals Inc.
170 Delta Park Blvd
Brampton, ON L6T 5T6
1.800.268.2083
97 Thames Road E
Exeter, ON N0M 1S3
1.800.265.7070
agwaymetals.com
Advantages
Availability & Thickness
Endures – Since the bond occurs at the atomic level, CopperPlus is as strong as the metals themselves. It has high
resistance to corrosion and erosion and needs no protective coating when set in mortar or concrete.
0.012” Coils (CopperPlus equivalent to 12-ounce copper)
1,000 lb coils | 0.012” thick x 24” wide
Approx. 2,000 sq ft per coil Weight: 0.4959/lbs. per sq ft
High strength – Since the core of CopperPlus is stainless steel, the material has a significantly higher strength than solid
copper. Equivalent strength to solid copper can be achieved with a much thinner material by using CopperPlus.
Weighs less/costs less – CopperPlus saves construction costs all the way down the line. Less weight means easier
handling, less fatigue, more material installed in less time, and the material cost is lower than solid copper.
Solders easier – The lower thermal conductivity of the stainless steel core retains the heat of the joint thus
permitting the use of smaller, cooler irons at higher speeds.
Takes any form – Gutters, downspouts, cornices, as well as other intricate shapes are easily formed to bring beauty,
quality, and durability to any installation.
CopperPlus FAQ
0.016” Coils (CopperPlus equivalent to 16-ounce copper)
1,000 lb coils | 0.016” thick x 20” & 24” wide
Approx. 1,500 sq ft per coil Weight: 0.6612/lbs. per sq ft
0.0180”Coils (CopperPlus equivalent to 18-ounce copper)
1,000 lb coils | 0.018” thick x 20” & 24” wide
Approx. 1,344 sq ft per coil Weight: 0.7439/lbs. per sq ft
0.0216” Coils (CopperPlus equivalent to 20-ounce copper)
1,000 lb coils; .0216” thick x 20” & 24” wide
Approx. 1,100 sq ft per coil Weight: 0.8927/lbs. per sq ft
0.012” Sheets (CopperPlus equivalent to12-ounce copper)
1,000 lb crates; 0.012” thick x 24” wide x 120” length
10 ft length = Approx 100 sheets per crate (9.92 lbs per sheet)
Weight: 0.4959/lbs. per sq ft
0.016” Sheets (CopperPlus equivalent to 16-ounce copper)
1,000 lb crates; 0.016” thick x 24” wide x 96” or 120” length
10 ft length = Approx 75 sheets per crate (13.23 lbs per sheet)
Weight: 0.6612/lbs. per square foot
0.0216” Sheets (CopperPlus equivalent to 20-ounce copper)
1,000 lb crates; .0216” thick x 24” wide x 96” or 120” length
10 ft length = Approx 55 sheets per crate (17.85 lbs per sheet)
Weight: 0.8927/lbs. per square foot
CopperPlus ‘Flashing Coils’ (0.016” thick x 100-110 feet per coil)
Available in widths | 08”, 12”, 14”, 16”, 18”, 20” and 24”
Weight: 0.6612/lbs. per sq ft
Design Specifications
Mechanical Fasteners – All mechanical fasteners (nails,
screws, bolts, rivets, etc.) used should be either copper,
stainless steel, brass, or bronze.
Installation – Install in accordance with recognized
construction sheet metal practices. It is readily cut, formed,
soldered, welded, riveted, nailed, and otherwise worked
by conventional sheet metal methods.
Maintenance – Final cleaning is not normally required
except to remove solder flux residues, which form a
premature green patina in affected areas. When desirable,
final cleaning usually can be accomplished with a detergent
and water. In the case of heavy deposits, a mild abrasive
cleanser is recommended. No routine maintenance is required.
Forming – Fully annealed CopperPlus forms like other
soft construction metals. It can be bent flat on itself
(180° bend – zero radius) at all standard gauges.
Soldering – CopperPlus is readily soft soldered using
50-50 or higher tin content solder. Mild fluxes for soldering
copper are used. Smaller cooler irons can be used,
resulting in faster soldering speeds.
Cutting – Conventional hand and power tools are used.
For best results, cutting edges should be kept sharp and
shears should be closely aligned.
Sizes – Available in coils, rolls, or cut-to-length sheets up
to 24” wide.
Specifying CopperPlus – CopperPlus is a superior
product for any concealed, exposed, or special application
where metal is indicated or required by the design.
Simply indicate the location and configuration in the usual
manner and identify the material as CopperPlus.
Design Compatibility – CopperPlus is compatible with
most building materials. However, contact with aluminum
or carbon steel should be avoided as these metals may
deteriorate when in contact with copper.
Property
Yield Strength [ksi]
Ultimate Tensile Strength [ksi]
Elongation in 2 inches [%]
Density [lbs/in3]
Modulus of Elasticity [106 psi]
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion [μin/in·°F]
Thermal Conductivity [BTU/ft·hr·°F]
How is CopperPlus made?
CopperPlus is made from 2 solid coils of Architectural Copper strip that are roll bonded at 2,000,000 p.s.i. to both
sides of a coil of Stainless Steel Strip. CopperPlus is like an Oreo cookie, the Copper coils are the Oreo cookies
and the Stainless Steel is the icing in the middle.
Will CopperPlus patina the same as Copper?
Yes. CopperPlus will patina identical to Architectural Copper, because CopperPlus is made from 2 coils of solid
Copper bonded to a Stainless Steel center core.
Will the Copper separate from the Stainless Steel center core?
No. The Copper cannot be separated from the Stainless Steel. The heat produced by the 2,000,000 p.s.i. pressure
from roll bonding CopperPlus welds the Copper to the Stainless. This identical technology, over 100 years old,
is employed to make hundreds of products including the U.S. Quarter & Dime; thermostats & electrical overload
protectors used as the fail safe for electric appliances & motors to protect us all from injury.
Does CopperPlus oil can the same as Architectural Copper?
No. CopperPlus thermal expansion properties are the same as Stainless Steel; which is 1/3 less than Architectural Copper.
How it Outperforms Copper
Description – CopperPlus is composed of a 10% thickness
of copper metallurgically bonded on each side at the
atomic level to an 80% core of Type 430 stainless steel.
It is fully annealed. CopperPlus has a 25 year warranty,
but is designed to offer more than 60 years of service in
the most aggressive environments.
What is the specification for CopperPlus?
CopperPlus is manufactured in conformance to ASTM B506-09. A copy of this document can be purchased on
ASTM’s website at: http://www.astm.org/Standards/B506.htm
CopperPlus
ASTM B506
O60: soft
40
60
32
0.287
27
6.1
37
Copper
Copper
ASTM B370
ASTM B370
H00: 1/8 hard H01: 1/4 hard
28
30
36
38
30
25
0.323
17
9.6
226
Does CopperPlus solder like Architectural Copper?
Yes. CopperPlus can be easier to solder than Architectural Copper. Less gas is required, because CopperPlus
is soldered at a lower temperature. The same solder and flux are used for soldering CopperPlus as are used for
soldering Copper.
Is there a warranty available for CopperPlus?
Yes. The CopperPlus Warranty is 25 years and 6 months. The CopperPlus warranty is not prorated. CopperPlus
may be installed within 1,700 feet of the sea coast.
Formability. Are special hand tools and roll forming equipment required for CopperPlus?
No. CopperPlus can be roll formed and fabricated with the same well maintained equipment that is used to form
Architectural Copper. The CopperPlus warranty will permit roll forming to 1/2 the CopperPlus thickness up to 0.030”.
What products are producible with CopperPlus?
Every product that can be fabricated from Architectural Copper can be made stronger from CopperPlus.
Technical Data (Nominal)
Material Property
Mean coefficient of thermal expansion
Mean coefficient of thermal conductivity
Density
Ultimate tensile strength
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation in 2”
Modulus of Elasticity
CopperPlus
6.1 x 10-6 in/in/°F (32-212°F)
37 BTU/hr/sqft/ft/°F
0.289 lb/in3; 8.00 g/cm3
63,000 psi
35,000 psi
30%
27 x 106 psi
Solid Copper (annealed/1/4 hard/1/2 hard)
9.6 x 10-6 in/in/°F (32-212°F)
226 BTU/hr/sqft/ft/°F
0.323 lb/in3; 8.91 g/cm3
34,100 psi/37,700 psi/42,100 psi
11,000 psi/29,700 psi/36,300 psi
45%/25%/14%
17 x 106 psi
Is CopperPlus stronger than Architectural Copper?
Yes. CopperPlus is stronger than galvanized Steel at the same gauge. The superior strength of CopperPlus permits
its use for applications where Architectural Copper cannot meet building code requirements for high velocity wind lift.
CopperPlus:
• Exceeds Miami-Dade Code high velocity wind lift requirements
• Has a lower coefficient of expansion (substantially lower incident of oil canning)
• Exceeds UL 2218 Class 4 hail test requirements
• Has a higher resistance to erosion/corrosion
• Weighs less than Copper providing a reduced load weight
• Has 40+ years of field performance