The cathode is the basis product of copper for high grade applications. Pure copper is extracted in the form of cathodes during the electrolytic refining process from crude copper.
Copper cathodes with certain contents of impurities are also registered and traded at the London Metal Exchange and the Comex. Qualitatively highgrade copper is characterised by the lowest contents of impurities, since even the smallest amounts in the ppm area of selenium, bismuth or antimony significantly impact the conductivity.
NA copper, brand "NA-ESN", "HK", "OLEN" and "PIRDOP", is registrated at the LME and characterised by its high purity and consistent quality, regardless of the raw materials used. These cathodes form the basis for the highgrade Aurubis copper products.
Dimensions
| NA-ESN | HK | OLEN | PIRDOP | |
| Length (approx.) | 965 mm | 1060 mm | 1005 mm | 1000 mm |
| Width (approx.) | 975 mm | 906 mm | 995 mm | 1020 mm |
| Thickness (approx.) | 5-10 mm | 5-10 mm | 6 mm | 5-10 mm |
| Weight (approx.) | 50-70 kg | 50-70 kg | 50-60 kg | max. 80 kg |
Analysis of NA-ESN, HK, OLEN and PIRDOP cathodes
| Pb | Bi | As | Sb | Sn | Zn | Fe | Ni | Co | Cr | Cd | Mn | Se | Te | Ag | S |
| <1 | <0,5 | 1 | 1 | <1 | <1 | <2 | 1 | <1 | <1 | <1 | <1 | <0,5 | <0,5 | 10-15 | <7 |
(data in ppm)
These cathode brands comply with the cathode norm ASTM B 115, Grade 1, DIN EN 1978 as well as Cu-KATH-1.
