Tellurium copper (Telco) performs the same as pure copper as an electrode material. It has a huge advantage because of its high machinability rating: 90% (free cutting brass = 100%). Pure copper has a rating of 20%. Its high machinability rating and fast speeds make it ideal for highly detailed, difficult to flush electrodes.
Telco is a machinable copper alloy manufactured for use as an EDM electrode material. An increase in machining of 90% is achievable versus pure copper. Not only will the machining of a Telco electrode be faster, but also you will be able to machine to sharper detail. A Telco electrode’s EDM performance is identical to pure copper.
Why Tellurium and Copper Work So Well
| Specifications | Free Cutting | Brass Hard Drawn Copper | TELCO |
| Relative Machinability Rating | 100% | 20% | 90% |
| Electric Conductivity | 26% | 100% | 90% |
| Density | 0.307 | 0.323 | 0.323 |
| >Approx. Wear Ratios Steel | 1:1 | 2:1 | 2:1 |
Benefits of Telco Electrodes
- Telco wire EDM’s to finer detail and at faster rates than other EDM electrode materials (graphite, copper-tungsten and carbide).
- Conventional machining of TELCO electrodes will not produce the dust associated with the machining of graphite.
- Telco has a high resistance to DC arcing caused by EDMing under poor flush conditions.
- Telco will produce fine surface finishes.
Element Insights: Copper and Tellurium in Telco
- Tellurium (Te), atomic number 52 (atomic weight ~127.6), enhances copper by forming copper telluride precipitates, improving machinability while maintaining electrical conductivity.
- Typical makeup: ~99% copper and ~1% tellurium.
- For every pound of tellurium, about 550 tons of copper are refined—a testament to the element’s rarity and elevated value in the copper alloy industry
Standard Tolerances
- Plate (+/- .005) Thickness and Width (Minimal) Length
- Round (+/- .005) Outside Diameter (Minimal) Length
Summary
When you combine tellurium and copper in precise proportions, the result is a tellurium copper (Telco) alloy that delivers both machining speed and EDM prowess. If you’re machining intricate electrodes and need copper-level performance, Telco—an alloy of copper and tellurium—is unmatched.
Telco is available in both plate and round stock. MWI, Inc. stocks all popular sizes to fit your Telco electrode material needs.
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