Key insights from Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov
Copper has helped shape civilisations for thousands of years. Today, its alloys are shaping the future — silently powering electric vehicles, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure. As Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov notes, copper is not just a material of the past — it’s a foundation for what comes next.
“Copper is one of the great enablers of the energy transition,” says the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. “It connects us to the technologies that will define the future.”
What gives copper its enduring value is its unique blend of properties: excellent conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and mechanical flexibility. But its role becomes even more powerful when it is alloyed with other elements like tin, zinc, or nickel — unlocking broader industrial uses and performance gains.
Copper alloys are particularly valued for their durability, versatility, and ability to retain key conductive properties. They are not just materials of convenience — they are often mission-critical.
“Copper alloys take the inherent strengths of copper and amplify them,” explains the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. “They enable the development of robust, high-performance components for today’s most demanding technologies.”
From smart grids to solar panels and electric vehicles, copper alloys serve at the heart of the modern electrification movement. They’re found in systems that demand strength, conductivity, and long-term resilience in harsh or variable environments.
Here’s where their impact is most visible:
- Electrical systems: cables, transformers, and motor components
- Green energy: photovoltaic systems, battery infrastructure, and EV components
- Marine and industrial environments: where corrosion resistance is essential
- Electronics: circuit boards, microprocessors, and connectors
- Architecture and design: for visual appeal and structural functionality
Some of the most used copper alloys include bronze (copper-tin), brass (copper-zinc), copper-nickel, and copper-beryllium. Each variation offers a different balance of hardness, conductivity, machinability, and corrosion resistance. For instance, copper-nickel alloys perform exceptionally well in seawater and are standard in naval systems and offshore equipment.
“The most strategic characteristics of copper alloys — conductivity and corrosion resistance — make them essential for the renewable energy sector,” says the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov.
Applications extend far beyond power and electronics. In healthcare, copper alloys are valued for their natural antibacterial properties. In construction, they’re used for roofing, piping, and decorative detailing. Even in the transport and aerospace sectors, their strength-to-weight ratio and reliability are key.
What makes copper alloys truly standout is their adaptability. They are used in the form of wires, sheets, tubes, and castings, tailored for both heavy industry and fine-detail manufacturing. This makes them suitable for everything from heavy-duty motors to delicate instrument components.
And the demand is rising. As energy systems modernise and electrification expands, the reliability and performance of copper alloys place them at the centre of global infrastructure development.
As Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov concludes:
“Even thousands of years after its first use, copper continues to surprise. Its alloys adapt to modern challenges and offer solutions across an impressive range of industries.”
From ancient tools to tomorrow’s tech, copper — especially in its alloyed form — remains a cornerstone of innovation.
FAQs
What is a copper alloy?
A copper alloy is a metal created by combining copper with one or more other elements, such as zinc, tin, nickel, aluminium, or silver. This process enhances the natural properties of copper, such as strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, while maintaining good electrical and thermal conductivity.
Why are copper alloys used in modern industries?
Copper alloys are valued for their versatility and reliability. Their applications span various sectors because they offer:
- High electrical and thermal conductivity
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Mechanical strength and durability
- Malleability and ease of fabrication
- Antibacterial properties
Where are copper alloys used?
Copper alloys are found in a wide range of industries:
- Electrical and electronics: cables, transformers, printed circuit boards
- Renewable energy: solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage systems
- Marine and offshore: pipes, heat exchangers, ship components
- Construction: roofing, plumbing, architectural elements
- Healthcare: antibacterial surfaces in medical equipment
- Automotive and aerospace: radiators, brakes, structural components
What are the main types of copper alloys?
- Bronze (copper + tin): corrosion resistance and strength
- Brass (copper + zinc): excellent workability and aesthetic appeal
- Copper-nickel: marine corrosion resistance
- Copper-beryllium: elasticity and hardness for precision components
- Copper-silver: enhanced conductivity for high-performance electrical uses
What makes copper alloys important for the energy transition?
Copper alloys support the energy transition by providing reliable materials for systems such as solar arrays, wind turbines, battery technologies, and smart grids. Their conductivity and durability are essential for managing and distributing renewable energy efficiently.
