Copper Powder: Types, Uses, and How to Source from China


Copper powder is a versatile raw material widely used in industries like electronics, automotive, and additive manufacturing. Its excellent conductivity, thermal properties, and corrosion resistance make it indispensable for various applications. This guide explores the types, features, and sourcing strategies for copper powder in 2025.


How to Find Reliable Copper Powder from China in 2025


China remains a top supplier of copper powder, offering competitive pricing and large-scale production capabilities. To find reliable suppliers:

  • Check certifications like ISO 9001 and RoHS compliance.
  • Review supplier history and customer feedback on platforms like Alibaba.
  • Request samples to test purity (typically 99.7% or higher).
  • Verify logistics support for bulk orders.

Top Chinese manufacturers often provide customized particle sizes (1-100 microns) for specific industrial needs.


What Buyers Should Know Before Buying Copper Powder from China


Key considerations include:

  • Pricing: $15-$50/kg depending on purity and quantity (2024 market data).
  • MOQs: Typically 100kg for standard orders.
  • Lead time: 15-30 days for production and shipping.
  • Payment terms: 30% deposit with balance before shipment is common.

Always confirm if prices include export documentation and sea freight costs.


Types of Copper Powder


Three primary variants dominate the market:

  1. Electrolytic copper powder: High purity (99.9%) for conductive applications
  2. Atomized copper powder: Spherical particles for 3D printing
  3. Reduced copper powder: Cost-effective for metallurgy

Specialty types include nano-copper powder for advanced electronics and antimicrobial coatings.


Functions and features of Copper Powder


Key technical attributes:

  • Conductivity: 59.6×106 S/m (pure copper standard)
  • Thermal conductivity: 401 W/m·K at 20°C
  • Melting point: 1085°C
  • Density: 8.96 g/cm3

Surface treatments like oxidation prevention coatings extend shelf life up to 2 years in proper storage.


Scenarios of Copper Powder


Major applications:

  • Electronics: Conductive pastes for PCB manufacturing
  • Additive manufacturing: Metal 3D printing powders
  • Automotive: Friction materials for brake pads
  • Chemical: Catalyst in organic synthesis

Emerging uses include antimicrobial surfaces in healthcare settings.


How to Choose Copper Powder


Selection criteria:

  1. Match particle size to application (fine powders for electronics, coarse for metallurgy)
  2. Verify purity levels with third-party testing
  3. Compare bulk density (2.0-5.0 g/cm3 typical)
  4. Evaluate flow characteristics for automated processes

For 3D printing, sphericity >95% ensures optimal layer bonding.


Copper Powder Q & A


Q: What's the difference between electrolytic and atomized copper powder?
A: Electrolytic powder has dendritic shapes for high surface area in conductive applications, while atomized powder features spherical particles ideal for additive manufacturing.


Q: How should copper powder be stored?
A: Keep in airtight containers with desiccants at <40% humidity. Argon gas flushing prevents oxidation in long-term storage.


Q: What's the typical lead time for orders from China?
A: Standard grades ship in 2-3 weeks, while custom formulations may require 4-6 weeks production time.


Q: Can copper powder be recycled?
A: Yes, most industrial processes recover 85-95% of unused powder through sieving and deoxidation treatments.


Q: What safety precautions are needed?
A: Use NIOSH-approved respirators for fine powders (<10μm) and implement explosion-proof equipment where dust concentrations exceed 0.1 mg/m3.