Copper Alloy C1100 vs Cu-FRTP
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C1100 and Cu-FRTP are both copper alloy grades. Cu-FRTP is the stronger of the two: yield strength 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C1100, about 4.4 times as much; tensile strength follows at 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi). In exchange, C1100 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 8% for Cu-FRTP, and Cu-FRTP is harder (100 HB vs 45 HB). C1100 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, Cu-FRTP machines more easily (28 vs 18 out of 100) and C1100 welds better (45 vs 35 out of 100).
C1100Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Cu-FRTPChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
C1100 vs Cu-FRTP: 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
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: 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) 1,065°C1,949 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,083°C1,981 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Castability
Same in both: Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.8 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | C1100 | Cu-FRTP |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C1100 vs Cu-FRTP — frequently asked
Is Cu-FRTP stronger than C1100?
Yes. Cu-FRTP has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C1100 — about 4.4 times as much. Tensile strength is 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C1100 or Cu-FRTP?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C1100 or Cu-FRTP?
Cu-FRTP, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 28/100 against 18/100 for C1100; for welding the order is C1100 first (fair, 45/100) then Cu-FRTP (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C1100 and Cu-FRTP 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.