On November 29th, the 15th China Electronic Copper Foil Technology Seminar was successfully held in Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province! This seminar is hosted by the Electronic Copper Foil Materials Branch of the China Electronic Materials Industry Association. Leaders, experts, and technical personnel from copper foil industry manufacturers, supporting equipment manufacturers, lithium battery industry, copper-clad laminate industry, PCB industry, relevant research institutions, and other units attended the conference.

After three years of rapid expansion, China's electronic copper foil industry has entered a period of adjustment. The fact shows that simply expanding production capacity is not the best development path for enterprises, and enhancing their "soft power" is more in line with the current situation. In order to enhance the connection between copper foil enterprises and the upstream and downstream of the industrial chain, establish a new strategic pattern guided by terminal demand to timely upgrade product grades, and quickly respond to new technological requirements, the Electronic Copper Foil Materials Branch of the China Electronic Materials Industry Association organized this technical seminar.

The theme of this seminar is "Strengthening the interconnection of industrial chains and adhering to collaborative and integrated development". The conference invited relevant experts from national ministries and commissions, as well as experts in electronic copper foil and upstream and downstream industries, to give wonderful reports. From macro, meso, and micro levels, extensive and in-depth discussions were conducted on new technologies, processes, materials, equipment, and future technological development trends of electronic copper foil.

Conference venue

The opening ceremony

Liu Wencheng, Secretary General of the Electronic Copper Foil Materials Branch of the China Electronic Materials Industry Association, presided over the conference.

Secretary General Liu Wencheng said that the copper foil industry has encountered unprecedented difficulties this year, with overcapacity and price competition becoming obstacles to the healthy development of the industry. Innovative development, overcoming difficulties, and rebuilding a healthy industry ecosystem are the top priorities for the copper foil industry at present. In the battle to accomplish this arduous task, two "perseverations" are particularly important. Firstly, it is particularly important to adhere to the integrated development of the industrial chain. The copper foil industry needs to strengthen its interconnection with batteries, copper-clad laminates, PCBs, and terminal industries, break down traditional barriers between industries, and achieve a synergistic effect of "1+1>2" through multi industry collaboration and resource sharing. Secondly, adhering to technological innovation is particularly important. Technological innovation is a fundamental requirement for developing new quality productivity and an effective strategy for enterprises to break away from the red sea and maintain competitive advantages. Mission is like a mountain, time waits for no one! Upstream and downstream work hand in hand to jointly write a new brilliant chapter in the entire industry chain.

This seminar has received strong support from 58 companies. Zhang Mei, Deputy Secretary General of the Electronic Copper Foil Materials Branch of the China Electronic Materials Industry Association, announced the list of sponsoring units and expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the association for their strong support!

Yin Dawei, Chairman of the Electronic Copper Foil Materials Branch of the China Electronic Materials Industry Association and General Manager of Anhui Copper Crown Copper Foil Group Co., Ltd., delivered the opening speech.

In his speech, Chairman Yin Dawei stated that China's electronic copper foil industry has achieved sufficient development in terms of industry scale and technological level after decades of struggle by several generations of copper foil workers, and has become the world's largest copper foil producer. Since last year, the rapid expansion of production capacity, serious low-level redundant construction, and unreasonable product structure have accumulated many problems and contradictions, leading to the deterioration of the overall business situation of the copper foil industry this year and a difficult situation. How the industry can overcome difficulties and deepen the transformation and upgrading of process technology products is an important mission facing all colleagues in the copper foil industry. It is suggested that the association and relevant government departments strengthen the supervision of the industry, establish a sound market supervision system, maintain market order, and prevent vicious competition and unfair behavior. We hope that copper foil enterprises can strengthen industry cooperation and collaboration, enhance market research and product innovation, actively explore diversified markets, and work together to improve the overall competitiveness of the industry.

Speech by Pan Lin, Chairman of the China Electronic Materials Industry Association.

Chairman Pan Lin first congratulated and supported Comrade Liu Wencheng on his election as Secretary General of the Electronic Copper Foil Materials Branch of the China Electronic Materials Industry Association. He hoped that Secretary General Liu Wencheng could continue to do a good job in the association's work and believed that the Copper Foil Association could make greater achievements for the healthy development of the industry. At the same time, we would like to express our gratitude to Comrade Leng Daguang, the former Secretary General, for his significant contributions to the development of the branch and the growth of the industry and enterprises.

When it comes to the industry situation of electronic materials, Chairman Pan pointed out that looking back at the domestic electronic materials market in 2024, the overall situation is mixed. On the one hand, with the continuous upgrading of the electronic information industry, such as the in-depth application of 5G communication technology, the vigorous development of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, the demand for electronic materials market continues to grow. Especially in the field of high-end electronic products, the demand for high-performance and high-quality electronic materials is particularly prominent. However, on the other hand, market competition is becoming increasingly fierce, and factors such as fluctuations in raw material prices and complex international trade environments have brought many challenges to electronic material enterprises. In this context, the electronic copper foil market is facing both opportunities and severe challenges. Chairman Pan suggested that the copper foil industry inject innovative vitality into its development and achieve healthy and sustainable development by increasing investment in technology research and development, strengthening industry self-discipline, and enhancing talent training.

Huang Wei, consultant of China Electronic Circuit Industry Association, delivered a speech.

Consultant Huang Wei mentioned in his speech that the cumulative revenue of PCB in the first three quarters of 2024 was 246.3 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 12.6%. The industry chain revenue of PCB listed companies has shown varying degrees of growth, with an increase in net profit. Electronic copper foil is the main raw material in PCB manufacturing, and its value in PCB manufacturing costs is gradually increasing, strengthening its core position in the industry chain. Its development is not only related to the stability of the industrial chain, but also the key to promoting the progress of the entire electronics industry. Consultant Huang Wei emphasized that in the current wave of global economic integration and digital transformation, strengthening the interconnectivity of industrial chains is particularly important. We should build a closer and more efficient industrial chain cooperation model through technological innovation, information sharing, resource integration, and other means to enhance the competitiveness of the entire industry. Facing the future, we should have a forward-looking perspective, pay attention to and study the technological development trends of the electronic copper industry, grasp the pulse of industry development, and lead the industry towards a broader future.

On November 15th, the Copper Foil Association held its fourth and fifth council meetings in Shenzhen, unanimously appointing Comrade Leng Daguang as the honorary secretary-general of the Copper Foil Association. The above picture shows Yin Dawei, Chairman of the Electronic Copper Foil Materials Branch of the China Electronic Materials Industry Association, presenting an honorary appointment letter to Secretary General Leng Daguang.

Secretary General Leng Daguang deeply reviewed his work in the copper foil industry over the past few decades and stated that he will continue to leverage his expertise to contribute to the work of the industry and associations.

seminar

Shi Dongmei, Chief Engineer of the High tech Research and Development Center of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, delivered a report on the current status and trends of new material technology development. In the report, Chief Engineer Shi interpreted the relevant policies of major developed countries in the field of electronic materials and provided a detailed analysis of the development trends of new materials, including electronic copper foil.

Mr. Wei Xinqi, a senior process expert at ZTE Corporation, gave a report on the demand and challenges of 6G Internet and AI computing power for CCL and copper foil.

Wei Xinqi, an expert, pointed out in the report that: 6G provides super capacity and super coverage communication technology, integrates satellite and ground systems, solves the demand for expanding the application range of mobile Internet and mobile Internet of Things, and significantly improves the performance of spectrum bandwidth, peak rate, communication delay, etc. The development of low rail interconnection has led to an increase in demand for high-speed, high-frequency, and high-performance copper-clad laminates. In the next 3 to 5 years, there will be a significant increase in demand for 6G sheets that are resistant to atomic oxygen, radiation, impact, and low TCDK. The demand for lower loss Df, lower dielectric constant Dk, lower CTE, and higher reliability copper-clad laminates is increasing for AI servers and artificial intelligence. Correspondingly, China has made certain technological breakthroughs in high-speed copper foil, and Copper Crown, Jinbao, and Jiangxi Copper have mastered HVLP and RTF high-speed copper foil technologies. However, there is still room for improvement in the research of coupling agent technology, and the compatibility and batch stability of copper foil with different resins and chemicals also need to be further improved.

Timely upgrading product grades based on terminal demand and responding quickly to new technological requirements are important strategies for copper foil enterprises. To strengthen the technological connection with the terminal industry, the Electronic Copper Foil Materials Branch of the China Electronic Materials Industry Association has decided to appoint Mr. Wei Xinqi as a member of the Technical Expert Committee. The above picture shows the appointment letter presented by the Chairman of India Dawei to Mr. Wei Xinqi.

Dr. Ding Yu, Dean of Nord Research Institute, delivered a report on the development of negative electrode current collectors for solid-state batteries.

Dean Ding gave a detailed explanation of several high-end products of Nord Group, including (1) composite current collectors: Nord Research Institute has achieved five core technological breakthroughs in the research of composite current collectors, including heterogeneous interface control technology and thermal accumulation effect control technology. (2) High temperature resistant copper foil: For all solid state batteries using inorganic solid electrolytes, due to the high thermal stability of the solid electrolyte, the conductivity is even better at high temperatures, and the operating temperature can be increased to 300 ℃ or even higher. Therefore, a high-temperature resistant copper foil current collector is required. Nord uses high-temperature resistant multi factor film-forming technology to manufacture high-temperature resistant copper foil. (3) Porous copper foil: reduces the copper load of batteries, lowers costs, and has better adhesion and wettability with condensed electrolytes, which is beneficial for improving battery charging and discharging efficiency. It also provides more complete stress relief for negative electrode materials with large volume changes. In addition, Nord has developed a variety of differentiated products such as ultra-thin dual function copper foil, double-sided wool copper foil, high corrosion resistance alloy copper foil, foam copper foil, etc. to meet market demand.

Li Dashuang, Deputy Director of the New Product R&D Center of Anhui Copper Crown Copper Foil Group Co., Ltd., gave a report on "Introduction and Prospect of Copper Foil for High Frequency and High Speed PCB".

Director Li briefly described in the report the high-end copper foil technology features required for high-frequency and high-speed PCBs under 5G communication conditions, as well as the current status of the main technical products, and analyzed the key technical points of these products; At the same time, with the development of next-generation intelligent terminal technologies such as autonomous driving, cloud computing, and AI, the report looks forward to the development direction of high-end copper foils in the high-frequency and high-speed fields, including smoother contour copper foils, high conductivity and high thermal conductivity copper foils, and low CTE (thermal expansion coefficient) copper foils used in chip packaging, as well as their technical features and difficulties. Anhui Copper Crown Copper Foil Group Co., Ltd. adheres to the concept of "providing first-class copper foil products for downstream customers", and has successfully developed and mass-produced a full range of high-end products such as extremely low profile HVLP and reverse RTF copper foil that are currently in demand in the market, breaking the monopoly of imported high-end copper foil.

Dr. Shao Yu, Senior Manager of Jiujiang Defu Technology Co., Ltd. in the Asia Pacific region, gave a report on the research and development progress of Defu Technology's lithium battery copper foil and others.

Dr. Shao mentioned in the report that in order to create a world-class lithium battery copper foil research and development platform, comprehensively improve the performance of lithium battery copper foil, and provide key raw material guarantees for global new energy power batteries and energy storage batteries, Defu Technology has established the Everest Laboratory. By studying additives and microstructure, the physical properties of copper foil were directionally regulated, achieving a comprehensive coverage of lithium battery foil thickness and tensile strength, as well as a leapfrog improvement in elongation. The specific research and development products include universal, medium strong, high strength, and ultra-high strength double-sided photovoltaic lithium foil; Low elastic modulus lithium foil; PCF porous copper foil; Atomized copper foil, etc. At the same time, the subsidiary Stande has an annual production capacity of 50000 square meters of titanium anodes. The product has the characteristics of low oxygen evolution potential, uniform and stable coating, and long service life. The company has implemented Six Sigma quality management tools and jointly established multiple project teams to solve copper foil quality and anode life issues, continuously reducing costs and improving product quality.

Mr. Li Mengchen, Technical Director of China Electronics Standardization Institute, gave a report on the standardization of carbon footprint accounting rules for copper foil products.

Teacher Li Mengchen pointed out in the report that "product carbon footprint" accounting can help enterprises systematically grasp the energy and resource consumption and raw material carbon emission levels of each link, identify the key links of carbon emissions in the industry chain to which the product belongs, provide basic data support for carbon footprint management, and continuously explore carbon reduction space. And it can effectively cope with the impact of carbon trade barriers in Europe and America. By 2027, China aims to establish a preliminary carbon footprint management system. We have formulated and released national standards for carbon footprint accounting that are in line with international standards, formulated and issued around 100 key product carbon footprint accounting rules and standards, initially constructed a product carbon footprint factor database, and made positive progress in the international connection of key product carbon footprint rules. For the carbon footprint accounting standards of copper foil, it is necessary to encourage copper foil manufacturing related enterprises, especially industry leading enterprises, to jointly participate in the preparation of copper foil product carbon footprint standards, providing strong support for the industry and product to carry out product carbon footprint accounting work.

Lecturer Fan Xiaowei from Jiangxi University of Science and Technology gave a report on the progress of electronic copper foil research technology.

Lecturer Fan Xiaowei introduced in the report that the surface coating has a significant impact on the high-frequency signal transmission (1-100GHz) of copper interconnects, and the insertion loss increases significantly with the increase of transmission frequency, which is closely related to the type of surface roughness. The use of ImSn and ultra-thin nickel (P) - type ENEPIG surface treatment can cause significant signal loss, which can be attributed to the redistribution of high-frequency transmission signals to surface treatments with poor electrical and magnetic properties. Research has confirmed that surface smoothness is indeed the dominant factor in high-frequency transmission characteristics, and improving 5G signal transmission performance requires the development of suitable surface coatings. Jiangxi University of Science and Technology focuses on demand and integrates interdisciplinary theories such as electrochemistry, coordination chemistry, and crystalline materials to create green and environmentally friendly electronic copper foil, RTF electronic copper foil for 5G, ultra-thin carrier copper foil, high-strength and high elongation ultra-thin lithium battery copper foil, and other technologies, which have been industrialized and applied. Further break the monopoly of foreign countries on high-end copper foil and enhance the competitiveness of copper foil in China.

Manager Li Ting from the Investment Consulting Department of Tongguan Jinyuan Futures Co., Ltd. gave a report on the "2025 Copper Market Outlook".

Manager Li Ting first analyzed the copper price trend and its operational logic in 2024. Due to various factors, the increase in copper concentrate supply is lower than expected, the release of global refined copper production is delayed, and domestic refined copper production remains high. There is an expectation of production reduction next year. Starting from 2024, investment in the power grid will accelerate, while the growth rate of copper for photovoltaic and wind power will slow down. The domestic demand for new energy vehicles is stable, and exports are facing high tariffs imposed by Europe and the United States. The export situation next year is not optimistic. Multiple policies provide support, and the decline in real estate needs to be stabilized. The digital economy has brought new vitality to copper consumption. From a global perspective, the proportion of copper consumption in data centers to the demand for refined copper is rapidly increasing. Although the current demand for data centers accounts for less than 1% of the total copper demand, this number will increase to 3.5% by 2030, and its potential should not be underestimated. Outlook for copper prices in 2025: The mining sector continues to be tight, and demand is shifting from old to new. Copper prices will solidify at the bottom, and the price center will fluctuate upwards.

Dr. Li Xuelei, the head of the Technical Department of Xi'an Aerospace New Energy Equipment Technology Co., Ltd., presented a report on the research of forming process for large-diameter cathode roll titanium cylinder in the production of high-quality copper foil.

Dr. Li introduced in the report that Xi'an Aerospace New Energy Equipment Technology Co., Ltd. is the earliest enterprise in China to manufacture electrolytic copper foil equipment based on aerospace spinning technology. Its main products include cathode rollers with diameters ranging from 500mm to 3600mm and supporting lithium battery foil generators; Cathode roller polishing machine; A surface treatment machine with a maximum processing speed of 45 m/min; Composite copper foil water electric coating machine, etc. The development direction of electrolytic copper foil equipment was analyzed in response to the demand for ultra-thin, high-performance, and polymorphic high-quality electrolytic copper foil. Introduced the achievements and applications of the company team in the production of high-quality electrolytic copper foil, including cathode roll titanium tube forming, innovative conductive structures, and intelligent manufacturing. In the future, the company will be guided by customer needs and is willing to cooperate sincerely with domestic copper foil production enterprises to innovate copper foil equipment and develop new products, supporting and serving the high-quality development of China's electrolytic copper foil industry.

Dr. Chao Jian, Deputy Manager of the Technical Department of Zhongtong Huazhong Copper Industry Co., Ltd., gave a report on "Research on High Flexibility and Blacking Treatment Technology of Rolled Copper Foil".

In the report, Dr. Xiang conducted in-depth discussions on the high flexural performance and blackening treatment technology of rolled copper foil at home and abroad, as well as the research work carried out by Huazhong Copper Industry. Huazhong Copper Industry is the copper plate, strip, and foil processing enterprise with the largest production capacity, longest product industry chain, the largest coverage of industries, the most advanced equipment, and the best comprehensive strength for high-end products in China. It is currently an enterprise in the entire industry chain of rolled copper foil in China. Its products include smooth foil with a thickness of over 6 μ m and a width of less than 650mm, surface treated copper foil, and alloy foil products; The company has conducted systematic research and development on the high flexibility of rolled copper foil and the preparation technology of blackened foil. The flexibility of copper foil has been improved by trace alloy elements, metal deformation, and heat treatment processes. Based on the principle of structural blackening, non cyanide electroplating blackening technology has been developed to achieve green production of copper foil surface treatment. This has played a mission and technological leadership role for the healthy development of the industry as a state-owned enterprise.

Fang Huiming, Director of the Application Technology Development Department of Jiangsu Mengde New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., delivered a report titled "Exploring the Factors Influencing Anode Life from the Perspective of Additives and Measures to Improve It".

Minister Fang shared the impact of various types of copper foil additives on the service life of anodes, including factors such as the type, concentration, and duration of the additives; On the other hand, in the context of ultra-high performance copper foil becoming mainstream in the market, the complexity of additive formulations has a more significant impact on anodes. Through experimental research and combined with the actual working conditions on site, effective improvement measures are proposed, such as optimizing and adjusting the formulation of additives, upgrading the control of production processes, etc., to extend the service life of anodes, improve the production quality and efficiency of electrolytic copper foil, reduce production costs, meet the demand for high-performance electrolytic copper foil in the electronics and lithium-ion battery industries, and provide strong support for the sustainable development of the electrolytic copper foil industry.

Copper foil enterprise senior leadership meeting

On the afternoon of the 28th, the association organized a high-level leadership meeting for electronic copper foil enterprises, with a total of 43 domestic and foreign copper foil enterprises participating in the discussion. Regarding the recent hot topic of a battery factory requesting material suppliers to lower prices, copper foil companies have actively spoken up and unanimously agreed that this unreasonable request is unacceptable in the current situation of copper foil industry losses! This bloody supply chain is unsustainable! The association will closely monitor the development of the situation, make necessary responses, and resolutely safeguard the fundamental interests of the copper foil industry!

The meeting also made arrangements for the launch of copper foil carbon footprint accounting standards and other related work.

Senior Leadership Meeting of Electronic Copper Foil Enterprises

Dinner

On the evening of the 29th, Jiangxi Hengyu Equipment Installation Co., Ltd., the sponsor of this seminar, held a banquet to entertain the attending representatives. The above picture shows Chairman Yin Dawei of the Copper Foil Association (center), Secretary General Liu Wencheng (left), and General Manager Dong Jie of Jiangxi Hengyu (right) jointly toasting on stage.

Acknowledgement

This seminar has received strong support from the following units:
Nord New Materials Co., Ltd
Anhui Huachuang New Materials Co., Ltd
Anhui Copper Crown Copper Foil Group Co., Ltd
Jiangxi Jiangxi Jiangxi Copper Foil Technology Co., Ltd
Longdian Huaxin (Shenzhen) Holdings Group Co., Ltd
Guangdong Jiayuan Technology Co., Ltd
Jiujiang Defu Technology Co., Ltd
Hubei Zhongyi Technology Co., Ltd
Shenzhen Huike New Materials Co., Ltd
Jiangxi Tongbo Technology Co., Ltd
Gansu Hailiang New Energy Materials Co., Ltd
Jiangxi Hengyu Equipment Installation Co., Ltd
Zhejiang Hetai New Materials Co., Ltd
Dinola Electrode (Suzhou) Co., Ltd
Jiangsu Tianrui Instrument Co., Ltd
Wuhan Songshi Technology Co., Ltd
Xi'an Aerospace New Energy Equipment Technology Co., Ltd
Jiangxi Hanchen Iridium Industry New Materials Co., Ltd
Shenzhen Jihechang New Materials Co., Ltd
Yangzhou Chaoyue Rubber Roller Factory
Youli Holdings Group Co., Ltd
Shanghai Foset Technology Co., Ltd
Wuhan Gewuzhi New Materials Co., Ltd
Hubei Yalong New Materials Co., Ltd
Jiangsu Mengde New Material Technology Co., Ltd
Xi'an Taijin New Energy Technology Co., Ltd
Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone Gangmi Machinery Seal Co., Ltd
Maherneto Special Anode (Suzhou) Co., Ltd
Zhejiang Shuangyuan Technology Co., Ltd
Hongtian Technology Co., Ltd
Anhui Lotus Technology Co., Ltd
Xi'an Tairui Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd
Nanjing Shunlan Petrochemical Co., Ltd
Hunan Aowei Technology Co., Ltd
Xi'an Yudi Instrument Co., Ltd
Jiangsu Wilson Electrode Co., Ltd
Zhongse Zhengrui (Shandong) Copper Industry Co., Ltd
Foshan Huagao Grinding Technology Co., Ltd
Titanium Brilliance Roller (Suzhou) Co., Ltd
Jiangyin Milk Electrolysis Equipment Co., Ltd
Suzhou Jianrui Electronic Machinery Co., Ltd
Baoji Titanium Prius Titanium Anode Technology Co., Ltd
Shaanxi Bairui Transmission Equipment Co., Ltd
Jiaxing Nanyi Pipe Industry Co., Ltd
Ma'anshan Dawidou Precision Cutting Tools Co., Ltd
Nokel Filtration (Suzhou) Co., Ltd
Shanghai Nuoli Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd
Jiangsu Ankaite Technology Co., Ltd
Guangzhou Tiexin Metal Structure Co., Ltd
Chengde Huajing Activated Carbon Co., Ltd
Shenzhen Zhongtuo Tianda Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd
Shaanxi Hengyue Material Technology Co., Ltd
Jiangyin Mingda Rubber Roller Co., Ltd
Anhui Tianma Machinery Technology Co., Ltd
Jiangxi Liyuan Haina Technology Co., Ltd
Guangdong Yalei Environmental Technology Co., Ltd
Zhongrui Guoneng Technology (Dongguan) Co., Ltd
Lifu (Guangdong) Advanced Materials Technology Co., Ltd
Here, we express our sincere gratitude for the strong support of the above-mentioned units!