Three calculators cover the questions buyers ask before the RFQ: what does the bar weigh, what current can it carry, and what will the temperature rise be. All results are planning estimates — final sizing is reviewed against your drawing at DFM.
Weight is the starting point for freight quotes, handling and cost. Enter the length, width and thickness of the conductor, pick the material, and the calculator returns the weight per piece. For laminated stacks, add the layers — the copper weight dominates; dielectric film adds a few percent. The formula is simply volume times density: copper 8.96 g/cm³, aluminum 2.70 g/cm³.
The reference values follow the ampacity chart: a single copper bar at 30 °C rise. Roughly, 10 x 3 mm carries about 150 A and 100 x 6 mm about 1150 A, with a nonlinear scaling in cross-section. Parallel bars add capacity with a derating factor for proximity heating. Use the full ampacity calculator for the interactive version with mounting and ambient options.
The temperature rise of a busbar follows I²R losses against the cooling available: P = I²R from the conductor resistance, rise = P / (surface × coefficient). The estimator applies a simplified model with a conservative surface coefficient for still air in an enclosure — it will overestimate rise rather than understate it. If the rise comes out above your 30 °C basis, increase the section or layers, or plan for airflow.
Use the estimates to shortlist a cross-section, then send the current profile, voltage class and environment with the RFQ. The quote process page lists everything the engineers need. If your result sits close to a boundary — for example 450 A needed on a 30 x 5 mm bar rated ~450 A — state the duty cycle in the inquiry; that is exactly the case where engineering review adds value.
Send your specification and get a technical and commercial response within one business day.
