Project Background
HSMetal has completed production and shipment of UNS C14700 sulfur‑bearing copper round rods for a Thailand‑based electrical‑component manufacturer. The client develops and manufactures electrical terminals and connectors for Thailand's fast‑growing automotive and EV charging industries. This batch of C14700 copper rods will be used to produce high‑voltage electrical connectors for automotive and EV charging systems.
Thailand is emerging as Southeast‑Asia's key hub for automotive electronics, targeting 30 % EV market penetration by 2030. Automotive assembly bases located in Rayong and Chonburi create strong market demand for high‑conductivity raw copper materials, including EV battery terminals, charging‑connector pins and high‑voltage relay components. The customer's engineering team follows European specifications, which required material equivalence to CW114C (EN 12163) in addition to ASTM B301.
Note: While this project supplied round rods, HSMetal can also deliver the same UNS C14700 material in wire, strip, sheet and custom‑shaped blanks for diverse manufacturing requirements.
Project Challenges
The Thailand manufacturer put forward strict material and supply requirements for C14700 (CW114C) copper raw material:
- High electrical conductivity: Minimum ≥ 90 % IACS to guarantee efficient power transmission for high‑voltage assemblies
- Superior machinability: Optimised for high‑speed screw‑machine mass production of precision connector pins
- Consistent dimensional accuracy: Tight tolerances to fit automated assembly production lines
- Dual‑standard compliance: Meet both ASTM B301 and EN 12163 / CW114C European specifications
- Complete certification: Mill test certificates covering chemical‑composition analysis and conductivity verification
- Stable supply capacity: Reliable delivery schedule to sustain continuous in‑house manufacturing operations
Our Technical & Supply Solution
HSMetal supplied UNS C14700 sulfur‑bearing copper round rods validated for CW114C equivalence, fully addressing all customer technical specifications:
- Precision cold‑drawn copper rods: Manufactured to achieve tight dimensional tolerances, perfectly adapted for high‑speed automated screw‑machine processing.
- Verified high conductivity: Every production batch is laboratory‑tested to ensure electrical conductivity ≥ 90 % IACS for high‑voltage power‑transfer performance.
- Optimised free‑machining performance: Strictly controlled sulfur content within 0.2‑0.5 %, delivering stable chip‑breaking properties for mass‑volume connector‑pin turning operations.
- Dual‑standard validation: Material performance verified against both ASTM B301 and EN 12163 CW114C European alloy requirements to match the customer's European‑based engineering standards.
- Full‑set documentation: Comprehensive mill‑test‑certificate package including chemical‑composition report, conductivity test results and full dimensional‑inspection records for incoming QA review.
Product And Packages In Workshop
Shipment and Project Significance
The C14700 sulfur‑bearing copper round rods were packed with anti‑rust wrapping and export‑grade wooden crates, and shipped by sea to support the Thai customer's EV‑connector production pipeline.
This order reflects the rising material demand within Southeast‑Asia's EV industrial chain. HSMetal can support automotive‑electronics clients with dual‑standard non‑ferrous copper materials, covering round rods, wire, strip and custom profiles.
Related product: If you source UNS C14700 CW114C sulfur‑bearing copper for automotive‑EV connector and terminal production, please visit our C14700 Copper Bar product page for detailed specifications. Submit your drawings and requirements for a quotation.
Market Significance
This successful delivery highlights several important trends in the Thailand‑China automotive supply chain:
- Thailand's EV Revolution
Thailand is rapidly emerging as Southeast Asia's EV production hub. The government's 30@30 policy aims for at least 30% zero‑emission vehicle production by 2030, driving substantial demand for upstream materials including high‑conductivity copper alloys.
- Shift to European Standards
Many Thai automotive manufacturers supplying global OEMs require materials conforming to European standards (EN) in addition to ASTM. Our ability to supply dual‑compliant materials (ASTM B301 + EN 12163/CW114C) positions us as a preferred supplier for internationally‑oriented Thai manufactur
- EV Component Supply Chain Growth
The shift from internal combustion engines to EVs creates new demand for copper‑intensive components – connectors, terminals, relays, and busbars – all requiring high‑conductivity, machinable copper alloys like C14700.
- Multi‑Form Supply Capability
While this case highlights rods, our ability to supply C14700 in wires, strips, sheets, and custom shapes enables us to meet diverse customer requirements across the automotive supply chain.
About C14700 Sulfur‑Bearing Copper
C14700 (also CW114C / CuSP) is a free‑cutting sulfur‑bearing copper alloy.
Key characteristics
- High electrical conductivity – 90–96% IACS
- Excellent machinability – Approximately 80% of free‑cutting brass (C36000)
- Lead‑free composition – RoHS compliant, environmentally friendly
- Good corrosion resistance – Suitable for demanding environments
- Excellent formability – Can be joined easily by soldering
- Good hot and cold workability
Typical applications include
- Electrical connectors and terminals
- Motor and switch components
- Screw machine products and cold‑headed parts
- EV battery terminals and charging connector pins
- Transformer and circuit breaker terminals
- Fasteners, rivets, and screws
FAQ
Q1: What is C14700 sulfur‑bearing copper?
A: C14700 (also CW114C) is a free‑cutting copper alloy with ≥99.9% copper and 0.2–0.5% sulfur. The sulfur improves chip breaking and machinability while maintaining 90–96% IACS electrical conductivity. It is lead‑free and RoHS compliant.
Q2: Can you supply UNS C14700 material in forms other than round rods?
A: Yes. Besides round rods, we offer the same UNS C14700 alloy in copper wire, strip, sheet and custom‑machined shapes for different production workflows.
Q3: What standards does C14700 comply with?
A: We supply to ASTM B301 (US) and EN 12163 / EN 12449 CW114C (European). All products are dual‑certified against both standards – a key requirement for our Thailand client serving global OEMs.
Q4: What is the machinability of C14700?
A: C14700 has a machinability rating of approximately 80% of free‑cutting brass (C36000) , significantly higher than pure copper. This enables high‑speed screw machine production with extended tool life – ideal for high‑volume connector pin manufacturing.
Q5: What are the typical applications?
A: Electrical connectors, automotive/EV terminals, relay contacts, switch components, battery terminals, charging connector pins, screw machine products, and cold‑headed fasteners.
Q6: What is the difference between C14700 and C14500?
A: Both are high‑conductivity free‑cutting coppers. C14700 uses sulfur as the machining additive; C14500 uses tellurium. C14700 offers slightly higher conductivity (90–96% IACS) and is more cost‑effective. C14500 is often preferred for hot forging.
Q7: Can C14700 be heat treated?
A: No. C14700 is a solid‑solution alloy and cannot be strengthened by heat treatment. Strength depends on cold working (temper). Available tempers: OS050 (soft), H02 (half‑hard), H04 (hard), H06 (extra hard).
Q8: What is your typical lead time?
A: Standard lead time is 3–4 weeks from order confirmation. Stock sizes are available for immediate shipment.
Q9: Why is C14700 suitable for EV applications?
A: EV connectors and terminals require high conductivity (efficient power transmission) and high‑volume precision machining (thousands of connector pins per vehicle). C14700 delivers both – ≥90% IACS conductivity with 80% machinability – at a cost‑effective price point, making it ideal for the rapidly growing EV supply chain.
Q10:What key performance requirements did the Thailand EV connector project demand?
A: The material needed ≥ 90 % IACS electrical conductivity, good high‑speed screw‑machine machinability, tight dimensional tolerances, dual ASTM‑EN compliance and full mill‑test documentation for automated EV‑component manufacturing.
Q11: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
A: Normally MOQ is 50kg, We always expect more opportunities with you. But for some special material or special size let's communicate the actual status.
Q12: What payment terms do you accept?
A: We accept T/T, L/C, and other common methods. For new customers, we usually require 50% deposit and 50% balance before shipment. Flexible terms can be negotiated for long-term partners
Q6: Can I request samples before placing a bulk order?
A: Absolutely. We offer sample quantities for customer evaluation. Please let us know your required specifications (diameter, length, and surface condition), and we will arrange shipment promptly. For new customer we need you pay for the sample costs, as old customer sample costs are typically credited against your next bulk order.
