How to Use a 16oz Copper Sheet: Tips and Guidelines?

 A 16oz copper sheet refers to a sheet of copper that has a weight of 16 ounces per square foot. The thickness is 24 Gauge (0.0201 inch, 0.51mm in metric).

What are the length and width of 16oz copper sheets?

The sizes are usually 4" x 4", 6" x 6", 6" x 12", 8" x 8", 8" x 10", 10" x 10" and 12" x 12".

The material of a 16oz copper sheet is UNS C11000 grade oxygen-free copper with the standard ASTM-B152.

And the copper sheet has no scratches and double-sided film. The plastic attached on the double side of the copper sheet, which can protect the surface of copper sheet to prevent scratches. It also prevents the surface from being oxidized.

Advantages and disadvantages of 16oz copper sheets

The 16oz copper sheet is a heavy weight copper often referred to as "roofing copper" or "roofing flashing." It’s one of its advantages. And what are the other advantages and disadvantages?

Advantages

1. Excellent conductivity

Copper is high electrical and thermal conductivity, which makes it an ideal choice for the applications that require efficient heat transfer or electrical conduction.

2. Durability

Copper is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and retain its properties and appearance for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

3. Corrosion resistance

Copper has natural corrosion resistance properties, which helps in preventing rust and degradation over time.

4. Easy to work with

16oz copper sheets are relatively easy to cut, bend, shape and solder to fit various design requirements, making them versatile for different applications.

5. Aesthetic appeal

The distinct and attractive appearance of 16oz copper sheet can enhance the visual appeal of architectural or decorative projects.

6. Recyclability

16oz copper sheet is a highly recyclable material and can be reused and repurposed without losing its quality.

disadvantages

1. Cost

Copper is generally more expensive compared to other metals such as aluminum or steel. And this makes it less cost-effective for some applications.

2. Oxidation and maintenance

16oz copper sheet can oxidize over time, resulting in a greenish patina. So it requires regular maintenance to prevent or remove oxidation and to retain its original appearance.

3. Softness

Compared to other materials, 16oz copper sheet is a relatively soft metal. And this can make it more prone to dents, scratches, and deformation during handling, installation.

4. Weight

16oz copper sheet is also a heavy material. And this can make it challenging to work with and transport, especially in large quantities. Additional support or structural considerations may be sometimes needed during installation.

How to Use a 16oz Copper Sheet?

16oz copper sheet is often used for roofing and flashing, various art and craft projects, DIY projects such as copper backsplashes, copper countertops and copper range hoods, electrical applications, research and development and much more.

Hence how to use it? Here are some tips as follow.

1. Clean

Fist check that the 16oz copper sheet is relatively clean.

If it has greasy stains (or other unidentified stuff), you can use baking soda, lemon juice or dish liquid to clean it.

2. Cut

Metal snips are needed to cut this thickness.

Before you start cutting, you should draw your shapes you want to cut onto the 16oz copper sheet with pencil or a sharpie marker. Please note that the copper sheet is sharp and don’t get hurt during cutting.

3. Connect

You can adhere the 16oz copper sheet with an appropriate adhesive or fasten it by using screws, nails or rivets.

4. Maintenance

It is necessary to regularly clean and maintain the 16oz copper sheet to prevent tarnishing or corrosion. To prevent oxidation and maintain its appearance, you can apply a protective coating or sealant to the copper sheet. And this is particularly important for outdoor applications.

In addition, these tips are general guidelines and the specific instructions may vary depending on the project or application you have in mind.

If you want to do DIY projects of copper sheets, I suggest you should start with the 24 Gauge copper sheet. Start simple and continue from there!