Copper Clad Steel Wire (CCS)

Steel conductor with a thin copper coating

Copper-clad steel (CCS) wire is a composite conductor with a steel core and an outer copper layer, combining the conductivity of copper with the mechanical strength of steel. This design leverages the skin effect, where high-frequency electrical signals travel along the conductor’s surface, ensuring effective signal transmission as long as the copper layer is sufficiently thick.

We manufacture CCS wires using two main manufacturing techniques:

• Electroplating: where copper is uniformly deposited onto the steel core through an electrochemical process.
• Cladding: where copper tape is continuously wrapped around the steel core, creating a strong bond.

Our CCS wire meets ASTM B452 standards and is available in diameters from 0.06mm to 12mm, with conductivity levels ranging from 15% to 40% IACS. The tensile strength can be adjusted by selecting low, medium, or high-carbon steel, depending on application needs. Additional processing, such as annealing, stranding, and plating, allows for further customization.

• Central conductor in communication cables
• Shielding braids in telecom cables
• Lead wires for electronic components
• Stranded grounding wires and overhead railway electrification systems
• Decorative or corrosion-resistant wiring for specialized applications