FAQs

Copper has one of the highest electrical conductivities of any metal, with a value of approximately 58 MS/m (megasiemens per metre) at 20 °C. This equates to a resistivity of 0.017 Ω·mm²/m, meaning it offers very little resistance to the flow of current. Thanks to this property, copper is widely used in the manufacture of conductors, wires, busbars and other components where it is essential to minimise electrical losses.

Copper has an electrical conductivity of approximately 58 MS/m at 20 °C, whilst aluminium reaches around 37 MS/m under the same conditions. This means that, to carry the same electric current, an aluminium conductor requires a larger cross-section than a copper one. However, aluminium is lighter and has a lower cost per kilogram, making it an attractive option in applications where weight and material economy are key factors. The choice between the two depends on striking a balance between electrical performance, weight, cost and conditions of use.

The alloy surcharge is a monthly adjustment applied to the price of certain metals and alloys, reflecting fluctuations in the cost of the raw materials used in their manufacture. This figure is updated in line with international prices for metals such as nickel, chromium, molybdenum and copper, and may vary depending on the type of product and the applicable standard.

To find out the current alloy surcharge, you need to consult the official publication of the manufacturer or supplier, as there is no single rate for the whole market and each producer sets its own values based on specific formulas and benchmarks.

The price of copper varies daily depending on supply and demand in international markets, with the London Metal Exchange (LME) being one of the most widely used benchmarks for its price. The price is published in US dollars per tonne and is usually updated several times a day during trading sessions.

To find out the price of copper in real time, you need to consult official sources such as the LME, COMEX or specialist news bulletins, as there is no single, fixed price; instead, it fluctuates according to market conditions.

The price of brass depends mainly on the prices of copper and zinc, the two metals of which it is composed. This price varies daily according to supply and demand on international markets, and is usually expressed in dollars or euros per tonne.

There is no single benchmark for raw brass, as its composition can vary depending on the type of alloy (for example, brass with a higher or lower zinc content). To find out the current price, you need to consult specialist sources, such as the London Metal Exchange (LME) quotations or bulletins from metal suppliers and distributors.

The price of aluminium is updated daily based on trading activity in the main international markets, with the London Metal Exchange (LME) being one of the most widely used benchmarks. The price is usually quoted in US dollars per metric tonne and reflects factors such as global supply and demand, energy costs and international economic conditions.

To find out the real-time price of aluminium, you need to consult official sources such as the LME, COMEX or specialist reports, as there is no single, fixed price; instead, it fluctuates constantly with the market.

The density of stainless steels depends on their chemical composition and, in particular, on the content of elements such as chromium, nickel and molybdenum. Generally speaking, the density ranges between 7.7 and 8.0 g/cm³ at room temperature.
For example:

• Austenitic stainless steels (such as AISI 304 or 316): around 8.0 g/cm³.
• Ferritic or martensitic stainless steels: between 7.7 and 7.8 g/cm³.

This property is important for weight calculations, transport and component design, as it directly influences the mechanical strength and behaviour of the material in various industrial applications.

Pure aluminium has an approximate density of 2.70 g/cm³ at room temperature, making it one of the lightest structural metals. This low density, combined with good mechanical strength and high corrosion resistance, makes it ideal for applications where weight is a critical factor.

In the case of aluminium alloys, the density may vary slightly, typically ranging between 2.65 and 2.85 g/cm³, depending on the proportion of elements such as silicon, magnesium, copper or zinc in their composition.

Copper has an approximate density of 8.96 g/cm³ at room temperature. This high density is due to its compact crystalline structure and the relatively high atomic mass of copper.

In industrial applications, density is a key factor in calculating weights, volumes and mechanical strengths, as well as in sizing electrical conductors or heat exchange components where copper is used for its excellent conductivity.

The density of brass depends on its composition, as it is an alloy consisting mainly of copper and zinc in varying proportions. Generally, its density ranges between 8.40 and 8.73 g/cm³ at room temperature.

The zinc content has a direct influence: the higher the proportion of zinc, the lower the density tends to be. This value is important for weight and volume calculations in machining processes, parts manufacturing and component design.

The density of bronze varies depending on its composition, as it is an alloy consisting mainly of copper and tin, to which other elements such as aluminium, phosphorus or lead are sometimes added. Generally speaking, its density ranges from 8.70 to 8.90 g/cm³ at room temperature.

The percentage of tin and the additional alloying elements influence the final value, making it necessary to confirm the exact density according to the material’s specification or standard. This data is essential for weight calculations, casting and component design.

Zinc’s resistance to salt spray depends on the type of coating, its thickness and the environment to which it is exposed. In accelerated corrosion tests in accordance with ISO 9227 (neutral salt spray test), a galvanised zinc coating can last from 72 hours for thin coatings (≈5 μm) to over 500 hours for thicker finishes or those with additional sealants.

Zinc provides effective cathodic protection for steel, but its behaviour in salt spray is directly related to the quality of the surface treatment and the prior preparation of the substrate.

Cu-ETP and Cu-DHP are two types of industrial copper used in very different technical applications, although both are of high purity. The key difference lies in the presence of oxygen and electrical conductivity:

• Cu-ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper) contains residual oxygen, has an electrical conductivity greater than 100% IACS and is ideal for electrical components, connectors, coils, bars and conductive systems.
• Cu-DHP (Deoxidised High Phosphorus Copper) is a phosphorus-deoxidised copper. Although its conductivity is lower (85–90% IACS), it offers excellent corrosion resistance, capillary weldability and formability, making it perfect for heat exchangers, industrial pipework, plumbing and brazing.

Comparative summary:

CuZn33 and CuZn37 are two brass alloys widely used in the stamping and metal component manufacturing industries. Their main difference lies in the percentage of zinc and their mechanical properties.

• CuZn33 (brass with 33% Zn): contains a higher proportion of copper, which gives it better ductility and cold formability. Ideal for precision stamping, light deep drawing and contact parts.
• CuZn37 (brass with 37% Zn): offers greater mechanical strength and is more cost-effective. It is better suited to deep drawing and high-volume cutting processes.

Quick technical comparison:

Tinning is a coating used to protect metal strip from oxidation and improve its weldability. Depending on the process, different finishes and technical properties are achieved:

• Electrolytic tin plating: carried out by electrodeposition, it allows precise control of thickness and a uniform surface finish. It is most commonly used in electrical connectors, electronics and printed circuit boards, where solderability and visual appearance are critical.
• Hot-dip tinning: this involves immersing the strip in molten tin. It produces a thicker but less uniform coating, making it ideal for demanding mechanical or environmental applications, such as clips, automotive components or fasteners.

Key differences:

The deflection in a metal strap is a geometric defect representing the lateral curvature of the material along its length. It manifests as a lateral deviation that can affect automated cutting, stamping or coiling processes.

• It is measured as the maximum distance between the edge of the strip and a straight line joining its ends over a specified length (usually 1 metre).
• Excessive bow can cause jams, misalignment or poor feeding in the machine.

‘Waviness’ refers to the transverse curvature of the strip, also known as transverse flatness. It represents the deviation in height exhibited by the strip when placed on a flat surface perpendicular to the direction of winding.

• It is crucial in processes where absolute flatness is required, such as laser cutting, deep drawing or precision welding.
• Excessive ‘warping’ can hinder strip feeding or cause inter-layer contact problems during coiling.

Copper has one of the highest electrical conductivities of any metal, with a value of approximately 58 MS/m (megasiemens per metre) at 20 °C. This equates to a resistivity of 0.017 Ω·mm²/m, meaning it offers very little resistance to the flow of current. Thanks to this property, copper is widely used in the manufacture of conductors, wires, busbars and other components where it is essential to minimise electrical losses.

Copper has an electrical conductivity of approximately 58 MS/m at 20 °C, whilst aluminium reaches around 37 MS/m under the same conditions. This means that, to carry the same electric current, an aluminium conductor requires a larger cross-section than a copper one. However, aluminium is lighter and has a lower cost per kilogram, making it an attractive option in applications where weight and material economy are key factors. The choice between the two depends on striking a balance between electrical performance, weight, cost and conditions of use.

The alloy surcharge is a monthly adjustment applied to the price of certain metals and alloys, reflecting fluctuations in the cost of the raw materials used in their manufacture. This figure is updated in line with international prices for metals such as nickel, chromium, molybdenum and copper, and may vary depending on the type of product and the applicable standard.

To find out the current alloy surcharge, you need to consult the official publication of the manufacturer or supplier, as there is no single rate for the whole market and each producer sets its own values based on specific formulas and benchmarks.

The price of copper varies daily depending on supply and demand in international markets, with the London Metal Exchange (LME) being one of the most widely used benchmarks for its price. The price is published in US dollars per tonne and is usually updated several times a day during trading sessions.

To find out the price of copper in real time, you need to consult official sources such as the LME, COMEX or specialist news bulletins, as there is no single, fixed price; instead, it fluctuates according to market conditions.

The price of brass depends mainly on the prices of copper and zinc, the two metals of which it is composed. This price varies daily according to supply and demand on international markets, and is usually expressed in dollars or euros per tonne.

There is no single benchmark for raw brass, as its composition can vary depending on the type of alloy (for example, brass with a higher or lower zinc content). To find out the current price, you need to consult specialist sources, such as the London Metal Exchange (LME) quotations or bulletins from metal suppliers and distributors.

The price of aluminium is updated daily based on trading activity in the main international markets, with the London Metal Exchange (LME) being one of the most widely used benchmarks. The price is usually quoted in US dollars per metric tonne and reflects factors such as global supply and demand, energy costs and international economic conditions.

To find out the real-time price of aluminium, you need to consult official sources such as the LME, COMEX or specialist reports, as there is no single, fixed price; instead, it fluctuates constantly with the market.

The density of stainless steels depends on their chemical composition and, in particular, on the content of elements such as chromium, nickel and molybdenum. Generally speaking, the density ranges between 7.7 and 8.0 g/cm³ at room temperature.
For example:

• Austenitic stainless steels (such as AISI 304 or 316): around 8.0 g/cm³.
• Ferritic or martensitic stainless steels: between 7.7 and 7.8 g/cm³.

This property is important for weight calculations, transport and component design, as it directly influences the mechanical strength and behaviour of the material in various industrial applications.

Pure aluminium has an approximate density of 2.70 g/cm³ at room temperature, making it one of the lightest structural metals. This low density, combined with good mechanical strength and high corrosion resistance, makes it ideal for applications where weight is a critical factor.

In the case of aluminium alloys, the density may vary slightly, typically ranging between 2.65 and 2.85 g/cm³, depending on the proportion of elements such as silicon, magnesium, copper or zinc in their composition.

Copper has an approximate density of 8.96 g/cm³ at room temperature. This high density is due to its compact crystalline structure and the relatively high atomic mass of copper.

In industrial applications, density is a key factor in calculating weights, volumes and mechanical strengths, as well as in sizing electrical conductors or heat exchange components where copper is used for its excellent conductivity.

The density of brass depends on its composition, as it is an alloy consisting mainly of copper and zinc in varying proportions. Generally, its density ranges between 8.40 and 8.73 g/cm³ at room temperature.

The zinc content has a direct influence: the higher the proportion of zinc, the lower the density tends to be. This value is important for weight and volume calculations in machining processes, parts manufacturing and component design.

The density of bronze varies depending on its composition, as it is an alloy consisting mainly of copper and tin, to which other elements such as aluminium, phosphorus or lead are sometimes added. Generally speaking, its density ranges from 8.70 to 8.90 g/cm³ at room temperature.

The percentage of tin and the additional alloying elements influence the final value, making it necessary to confirm the exact density according to the material’s specification or standard. This data is essential for weight calculations, casting and component design.

Zinc’s resistance to salt spray depends on the type of coating, its thickness and the environment to which it is exposed. In accelerated corrosion tests in accordance with ISO 9227 (neutral salt spray test), a galvanised zinc coating can last from 72 hours for thin coatings (≈5 μm) to over 500 hours for thicker finishes or those with additional sealants.

Zinc provides effective cathodic protection for steel, but its behaviour in salt spray is directly related to the quality of the surface treatment and the prior preparation of the substrate.

Cu-ETP and Cu-DHP are two types of industrial copper used in very different technical applications, although both are of high purity. The key difference lies in the presence of oxygen and electrical conductivity:

• Cu-ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper) contains residual oxygen, has an electrical conductivity greater than 100% IACS and is ideal for electrical components, connectors, coils, bars and conductive systems.
• Cu-DHP (Deoxidised High Phosphorus Copper) is a phosphorus-deoxidised copper. Although its conductivity is lower (85–90% IACS), it offers excellent corrosion resistance, capillary weldability and formability, making it perfect for heat exchangers, industrial pipework, plumbing and brazing.

Comparative summary:

CuZn33 and CuZn37 are two brass alloys widely used in the stamping and metal component manufacturing industries. Their main difference lies in the percentage of zinc and their mechanical properties.

• CuZn33 (brass with 33% Zn): contains a higher proportion of copper, which gives it better ductility and cold formability. Ideal for precision stamping, light deep drawing and contact parts.
• CuZn37 (brass with 37% Zn): offers greater mechanical strength and is more cost-effective. It is better suited to deep drawing and high-volume cutting processes.

Quick technical comparison:

We supply strip, wire and wire rope in stainless steel, non-ferrous metals (copper and copper alloys: brass, bronze, electrolytic copper), aluminium, high-carbon steel and low-carbon steel, in a wide range of dimensions, surface finishes, coatings and supply formats.

VINCO handles strip from 0.05 mm thick up to 5.0 mm thick, and from 3.0 mm to 1,250 mm wide, in coils weighing up to 2,000 kg.

VINCO stocks wire in diameters from 0.10 mm to 22 mm, in round, square and flat cross-sections. The wire straightening service covers diameters from 0.7 mm to 10 mm in lengths from 35 mm to 4,000 mm.

VINCO operates three industrial centres in Spain: its head office in Larrabetzu (Bizkaia) covering 18,000 m², a specialist wire centre in Agoncillo (La Rioja) covering 9,300 m², and a production centre in Sant Esteve Sesrovires (Barcelona) covering 3,600 m².

VINCO primarily serves the automotive, precision electronics, spring manufacturing, agri-food and heavy industry sectors, supplying semi-finished metal materials with tight tolerances and certified quality.

We are part of the Lontana Group, a Spanish family-owned industrial group with a presence in over 100 countries.

VINCO was founded in 1948 in Bilbao as Vizcaína de Industria y Comercio. With over 75 years’ experience, it is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of metal strapping and wire.