Different Conducting Materials and their Uses

The Copper Wire has been known as a useful conductor for years. It has been understood that alternatives do exist but each comes with an issue that happens to compromise on one parameter or the other. Aluminum wire is cheaper than the copper wire but gets heated quickly and there are a host of other issues. Each material comes with certain advantages but then there are problems as well.

Copper is used extensively in the manufacturing sector. The use of this material as a conductor happens in various forms. Copper Foil too finds use at several places. This is because of its resistance to chemicals. Moisture and flame resistance happen to be important factors too apart from the thermal conductivity and durability.

Copper foil seems ubiquitous in the tape form. It is used by electricians and also in stained glass work. Conductors are used in various forms, in combination with other materials or in form of wires braided together.

Bare copper wire is used for more complex purposes. Electrical transmission is carried out through these and these power intricate systems. Whether it is the overhead power source, transit systems such as trains and buses or cranes used in industries, the bare copper wire finds use everywhere. The strength of this conductor helps it find use in several sectors.

The advantage of copper as a conductor is that you may combine certain materials with it in a bid to improve its properties. A number of wires thus have come into existence. These happen to be the customized form of conductors suitable for use in specific sectors. This is because the strength and flexibility of a conductor, temperature resistance should be such that it suits the requirements of the field. Different fields have varied requirements. It is important thus that the conducting material being used has such properties.

Aluminum wire is being widely used as a conductor but the industrial uses are still limited when compared to copper. Tinned copper and copper glass wires are variants of the usual conductor. These are more suitable on one parameter or the other. Some happen to withstand higher temperatures, some are more flexible, and some have more strength over the others. This works well considering that different processes work on different kinds of materials and hence require the conditions in accordance. Research in the field is a continuing process and is expected to give even more alternatives in the near future.