Thanks to our investment in modern fibre laser cutting technology, Yorkshire Profiles can accurately process reflective non-ferrous metals including copper, brass and bronze.
These materials were traditionally difficult to process using older CO₂ laser systems because of their high reflectivity and, particularly in the case of copper, high thermal conductivity. Modern fibre laser technology is far better suited to cutting these materials, allowing us to produce accurate components with consistent edge quality and repeatability.
We most commonly supply and process C101 copper and CZ108 brass, although other copper alloys, brass grades and bronze materials can also be sourced and processed depending on your requirements.
Copper Properties
Copper is a distinctive reddish metal particularly well known for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
It is also highly ductile and malleable, allowing it to be formed into a wide variety of components. Copper offers good corrosion resistance and naturally develops a protective surface patina over time when exposed to the environment.
These characteristics make copper useful for both functional and decorative applications.
Typical properties include:
- Excellent electrical conductivity
- Excellent thermal conductivity
- Good corrosion resistance
- High ductility and formability
- Non-magnetic properties
- Distinctive natural appearance
- High recyclability
Copper is not generally selected as a primary structural material where high mechanical strength is required, but its conductivity and forming characteristics make it invaluable across many engineering applications.
Uses of Copper
Copper is widely used in applications where electrical or thermal performance is important, including:
- Electrical components and busbars
- Switchgear and power distribution equipment
- Telecommunications equipment
- Renewable energy systems
- Heat transfer equipment
- Electronic components
- Architectural features
- Decorative metalwork
- General fabricated components
Its combination of conductivity, corrosion resistance and appearance also makes it suitable for specialist applications where both performance and aesthetics are important.
C101 Copper
C101 copper is the grade we most commonly supply and laser cut.
It is a high-purity copper grade offering excellent electrical and thermal conductivity together with good ductility and corrosion resistance.
C101 is commonly used for electrical conductors, busbars, terminals, power distribution components, heat transfer applications and precision fabricated parts.
Other copper grades can also be sourced where a project requires different mechanical, electrical or fabrication characteristics.
Brass Properties
Brass is an alloy primarily consisting of copper and zinc. By altering the proportions of these elements, and in some cases introducing additional alloying elements, brass can be produced with a wide variety of mechanical and fabrication properties.
Brass combines good corrosion resistance with excellent machinability and an attractive gold-coloured appearance.
Typical characteristics include:
- Good corrosion resistance
- Good machinability
- Good formability in suitable grades
- Relatively low friction
- Attractive decorative finish
- Good electrical and thermal conductivity
- High recyclability
These characteristics make brass equally useful for practical engineering components and decorative applications.
Uses of Brass
Brass is commonly found in:
- Architectural components
- Decorative metalwork
- Electrical components
- Plumbing and fittings
- Instrument components
- Machinery components
- Gears and bushes
- Handles, brackets and hardware
- General fabricated parts
Its distinctive appearance also means that laser-cut brass is frequently used for signs, displays, interior design and bespoke decorative components.
CZ108 Brass
CZ108 brass is the brass grade we most commonly supply and process.
It is a widely used sheet brass offering a good combination of strength, formability, corrosion resistance and appearance. This makes it suitable for both engineering and decorative applications.
Typical uses include architectural components, signs, panels, brackets, electrical components, decorative metalwork and general fabricated parts.
We can also source and process alternative brass grades where required for specific mechanical, forming or aesthetic requirements.
Bronze Laser Cutting
In addition to copper and brass, we can also process bronze and other copper-based alloys.
Bronze typically consists primarily of copper combined with tin or other alloying elements and is valued for its wear resistance, corrosion resistance and distinctive appearance.
It is commonly used for specialist engineering components, decorative applications, marine components, wear plates and architectural features.
Because bronze is available in numerous compositions, suitability for laser cutting will depend on the specific grade, thickness and component requirements.
Copper and Brass Laser Cutting at Yorkshire Profiles
Our modern fibre laser cutting equipment allows us to process reflective non-ferrous metals accurately and efficiently.
We can laser cut copper and brass up to 8mm thick, subject to the particular material grade, component geometry and cutting requirements.
Our in-house manufacturing capabilities also include:
- CNC folding and press braking
- Drilling and tapping
- Welding and fabrication
- Assembly
This allows us to manufacture components from flat sheet through to completed fabricated parts where required.
We primarily stock and supply C101 copper and CZ108 brass, while alternative copper, brass and bronze grades can be sourced depending on specification and availability.
If you require copper, brass or bronze laser cutting:
