Copper is among the most important metals in the world. The first metal ever used by humans, copper has found a wide range of uses for the past 10,000+ years—and still today, the uses for copper and its alloys are nearly endless.
As global leaders in metal finishing, our team at Polished Metals has years of experience producing various finished copper and copper-adjacent products, from copper sheet metal to an array of bronze and brass metal products. Even as longtime veterans of the metal finishing industry, we find the seemingly endless uses of copper a bit staggering. To illustrate the importance of this metal to our readers, today we’re sharing 10 key uses of copper—a list that is far from exhaustive!
Let’s get started.
Key Properties of Copper
First, let’s take a look at some of the essential properties of copper. These properties lend copper a few key characteristics that make this metal ideal for a variety of critical applications throughout the world and across several industries.
- Highly Conductive – Copper is one of the most conductive metals on earth, both in terms of heat and electrical conductivity. While its conductivity is outdone by silver, several other factors combine to make copper a much more practical choice in situations where conductivity is desired.
- Corrosion Resistant – As a non-ferrous metal, copper does not rust, and it resists many other types of corrosion quite effectively. While copper can form a patina, this also serves to protect the metal from further degradation.
- Workable – Copper is both ductile and malleable, making it ideal for forming into a wide variety of shapes.
- Sustainable – Copper is easily recycled, and most copper mined throughout history is still in use today.
- Aesthetic – Whether on its own or mixed with other metals, copper has a distinct and beautiful appearance that is not easily replicated by other materials.
10 Common Uses for Copper
Copper has a unique blend of characteristics that make it the ideal choice for a wide variety of use cases. Most of the common uses for copper fall into these 10 general categories.
1. Wiring & Electrical Work
Today, copper is most frequently used in the electrical industry. In particular, copper is the material of choice for wiring, as it is highly conductive, much more affordable than silver (the primary metal that is more conductive), and does not overheat when carrying high volumes of electricity.
2. Plumbing Fixtures
Due to its combination of corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal, copper is used in many plumbing fixtures, both visible and hidden. For example, features such as faucets, handles, and even sinks may be made from copper, while pipes and fittings are typically made from copper or an alloy such as brass.
3. Machinery
While better known for its electrical conductivity, the heat conductivity of copper also lends it many uses throughout the industrial world. Copper is frequently used both as a heat conductor or for electrical components found in various machines, including industrial machinery, automobiles, and much more.
4. Gutters & Roofing
Copper is both strong and flexible, and it also resists corrosion. This makes it an ideal metal for gutter and roofing systems, which are constantly exposed to the elements. While it ranks as one of the most expensive gutter and roofing materials to install, copper outperforms virtually every other material in both of these use cases.
5. Sculptures & Decorations
Copper has an iconic look that is instantly recognizable, which makes it a highly favorable material for decorative, artistic, and ornamental purposes. Some of the most famous sculptures—such as Rodin’s The Thinker or, of course, the Statue of Liberty—are made of copper or alloys like bronze.
6. Railings & Trim
Blending both form and function, railings, trim, and other metal features will often use copper or its alloys. In particular, copper is naturally antimicrobial in addition to its corrosion resistance, making it a very practical choice for high-touch surfaces like railings.
7. Interior Design Detailing
Designers creating a modern space will often use various polished metals to create their desired look. In creating their designs, copper and alloys will often feature prominently, as the unique array of colors ranging from brown to red to gold are a perfect contrast to other metals like stainless steel and aluminum.
In these cases, copper, bronze, or brass will often be used for finer details like doorknobs, handles, hinges, and more.
8. Jewelry
The aesthetic appeal of copper is undeniable, and its use in jewelry dates back more than a thousand years. Polished copper creates a beautiful look, and for some the green patina that forms over time only adds to this aesthetic.
9. Tools & Musical Instruments
Copper may be used to create various specialized instruments in use across many industries, including tools and musical instruments. For example, beryllium copper is non-sparking and non-magnetic, and tools made from this material are crucial for safety in certain industries.
Further, as copper is readily workable, it is often chosen for tools and instruments requiring fine details, and the acoustic qualities of copper and its various alloys are highly valued in the musical space.
10. Alloying
Last, and certainly not least, one of the most important uses for copper is its inclusion with other metals to create various useful alloys. Copper is one of the most frequently alloyed metals, as it is used in the creation of various types of brass and bronze. It’s so important, in fact, that there’s an entire named class of metals made from alloyed copper: red metals.
Common red metals include:
When considering these metals as a subgroup, the uses for copper expand exponentially across industries including architecture and design, industrial metals, shipbuilding, and much more.
Reach Out to Polished Metals for All Copper Use Cases!
As you can clearly see, copper is one of the most important metals on earth due to a variety of unique characteristics. Its conductivity makes it essential in the functioning of our electrical systems; its workability makes it ideal for both large sheets and fine details; and its distinct appearance—and that of its alloys—gives it an aesthetic that is unmatched, especially when professionally finished.
As a worldwide leader in expert metal polishing, our team at Polished Metals produces gorgeous finished copper, brass, bronze, and more for use across all industries. Our expertise and in-house metal finishing capabilities are unmatched. No matter the size or requirements of your project, we’re ready to tackle it. Reach out today for a quote!