Copper Alloy C1020-H vs C1020-O
Copper Alloy · C1020 temper comparison
C1020-H and C1020-O are two conditions of the same copper alloy grade, C1020: H (hardened) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C1020-H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C1020-O, about 4.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 221 MPa (32.1 ksi). In exchange, C1020-O is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 6% for C1020-H, and C1020-H is harder (95 HB vs 40 HB). C1020-H is stiffer (128 GPa vs 115 GPa) and C1020-O runs hotter in service (250°C vs 120°C continuous).
C1020-HChoose it when strength drives the design.
C1020-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C1020-H vs C1020-O: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all copper alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all copper alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.94 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,083°C1,981 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,083°C1,981 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17 µm/m·K9.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.3 V · Corrosion Resistance 60 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 25 / 100 · Weldability 75 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.8 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
C1020-H vs C1020-O — frequently asked
Is C1020-H stronger than C1020-O?
Yes. C1020-H has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C1020-O — about 4.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 221 MPa (32.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H or O?
O is the default C1020 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose C1020-H over C1020-O?
Pick C1020-H when strength drives the design. Pick C1020-O when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C1020-H and C1020-O side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.