Copper is one of the most valuable metals in the recycling industry. Out of all the metal types, this one is highly sought after because it has so many beneficial qualities. Manufacturers love to work with copper because it is antibacterial, never rusts, is corrosion resistant, and is very applicable even without mixing it with other metal types.

Any copper you can get your hands on is worth collecting because a large pile of copper metal can bring in a lot of money. Even though all copper types are incredibly valuable, the selling rate can be different based on their grade. 

Why Does Copper Come in Different Grades?

When copper is smelted down, it can be mixed or blended with other metals.

Blending the copper with different metal types can give it other characteristics. For example, mixing copper with certain metals can produce a metal that is corrosion resistant, with a light red tone and a lot stronger compared to pure copper.

Because copper can be mixed with other metals, the grade or purity level varies. This purity level depends on the condition of the metal and the influence of other elements.

The Different Copper Grades

Copper’s grading methods can be different for different scrap metal companies. It is usually best to contact your local scrap metal dealer to find out more about the different classifications and how they affect the copper price. Below is a quick look at a few examples of copper grades:

01. Bare Copper

The highest quality grade copper is pure copper that doesn’t contain any impurities. This metal is the most valuable because it is the quickest and easiest to process since the metal is already clean and free from other additives.

A good example of pure bare bright copper ucoated or unalloyed wire or cable. Copper wiring with a 16 gauge diameter and thicker is the highest grade of all. 

It can be a little bit tricky to identify pure bare bright copper because copper-clad steel wire can look very similar. A magnet test is usually done to test the difference. Pure bright copper won’t stick to a magnet at all.

02. Unalloyed Copper

Uncoated and unalloyed copper with a 98% purity level is one of the most valuable copper scrap metals you can find. This is usually in the form of clean copper tubing. Items like plumbing or water pipelines are mostly made of this type of pure copper.

03. Coated Copper

Even though this copper is not quite as valuable as pure copper, it is still quite profitable to collect. 2nd Grade copper is usually a copper that has some type of coating. This can be a thin alloy coating and these copper types are usually found in pipes or wiring. The purity level of this copper type is 94 – 96% and the recycling process is a little bit more complex since the coating will need to be removed before the copper can be repurposed.

04. Mixed Copper 

Third-grade copper is the lowest grade copper and this type usually has a mixture of coatings and metals. The purity level is usually around 88 – 92% copper content. Because of it’s lower purity level, these metals need to undergo a lot of processes before the copper can be used. Even though it isn’t as valuable as pure copper, you definitely want to keep looking for it since these materials are still a very good source of income.

Sell Copper Scrap Metal in Melbourne

Whether you are collecting first-, second-, or third-grade copper, Danny Scrap Metal is the right place to visit when it is time to trade your copper for cash. Our scrap metal company happily accepts all scrap metal types and will provide the highest payout rates for any copper materials you might bring through our doors. We can help you identify your copper grade level and offer some helpful advice regarding the best places to find used copper goods.