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.
| 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.
Telco Facts
- Tellurium is an element with atomic symbol Te, atomic number 52, and atomic weight 127.6.
- Telco is 99% Copper and 1% Tellurium.
- 1lb. of tellurium is usually produced from the refining of 550 tons of copper.
Standard Tolerances
- Plate (+/- .005) Thickness and Width (Minimal) Length
- Round (+/- .005) Outside Diameter (Minimal) Length
Telco is available in both plate and round stock. MWI, Inc. stocks all popular sizes to fit your Telco electrode material needs.