Cathode copper (electrolytic copper) is a high-purity copper product obtained through electrolytic refining or electrodeposition, widely utilized in sectors such as electric power and new energy. The core process involves casting crude copper into anode plates; using permanent stainless steel plates as cathodes, a direct current is passed through a copper sulfate electrolyte solution, causing copper ions to deposit and precipitate onto the cathodes, thereby achieving a purity level exceeding 99.95%.

The primary workflow encompasses copper concentrate smelting, anode casting, electrolytic refining, and product finishing. Among these stages, electrolytic refining is the most critical; the traditional "starter sheet" method has been gradually supplanted by the "permanent cathode" electrolytic method. The latter employs reusable stainless steel mother plates—thereby eliminating the labor-intensive process of manufacturing starter sheets—and achieves current densities of 280–330 A/m2 with a low residual anode rate of merely 12%–16%, yielding significant overall economic benefits.

Key equipment includes electrolytic cells, permanent cathode plates, conductive systems, and automated stripping units. In terms of technological trends, the industry is advancing toward greater intelligence and sustainability. Major enterprises have already established unmanned plate-handling production lines, achieving full-process automation; furthermore, measures such as infrared short-circuit monitoring and energy-saving retrofits have effectively reduced energy consumption. Driven by growing demand within the new energy sector, high-efficiency, intelligent, and eco-friendly manufacturing equipment for cathode copper is poised to capitalize on vast market opportunities.