LS Cable & System has developed a new material for copper foil, marking a significant step towards expanding its eco-friendly material business.
On Dec. 20, LS Cable & System announced the development of CuFlake, a new copper material for copper foil. This material is the first in the world to commercialize the use of copper fragments instead of copper wire as the raw material for copper foil.
CuFlake is expected to significantly reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying the processing steps of the raw materials in the copper foil manufacturing process. Copper wire is produced through a 4-5 step process involving the removal of impurities and cleaning of metal scrap. In contrast, CuFlake involves melting the scrap to remove impurities and then forming it into fragments for direct use in copper foil production.
Unlike copper wire, which only uses high-grade scrap, CuFlake can use lower grades, solving the supply issues of scrap, according to LS Cable & System.
LS Cable & System has recently completed sample tests with copper foil manufacturers and expects commercialization as early as next year. The market is anticipated to generate revenues exceeding 100 billion won annually. Together with LS Eco Energy (formerly LS Cable & System Asia), which has entered the rare earth business, LS Cable & System plans to expand its eco-friendly material business.