4. Bimetallic conductors

4.1 General data

For certain applications, it is advantageous to have the mechanical strength of steel and a not inconsiderable conductivity. Bimetallics offer this compromise. The three bimetallics used in the electrical and telecommunications cable industry are :

• copper-clad steel ;

• aluminum-coated steel ;

• copper-clad aluminum.

The first two are very old and have been widely distributed throughout the world for electrical and telecommunications purposes. It was above all the Copperweld company that was behind the development of the products commonly referred to by cablemakers as Copperweld™ and Alumoweld™. Copper-coated aluminum is...