Copper Alloy C11000 vs C18000
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C11000 and C18000 are both copper alloy grades, both conductive cu alloy. C18000 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C11000, about 8.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 221 MPa (32.1 ksi). In exchange, C11000 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 12% for C18000, and C18000 is harder (200 HB vs 45 HB). C18000 is stiffer (131 GPa vs 117 GPa) and C18000 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, C18000 machines more easily (fair vs poor).
C11000Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
C18000Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
C11000 vs C18000: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 60 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 35 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | C11000 | C18000 |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | O | H |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 9 finishes: Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Gold Plating, Nickel Plating, Painting, Silver Plating, Tin Plating.
C11000 vs C18000 — frequently asked
Is C18000 stronger than C11000?
Yes. C18000 has a typical yield strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C11000 — about 8.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 221 MPa (32.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C11000 or C18000?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C11000 or C18000?
C18000. Its machinability rates fair (50/100) against poor (25/100) for C11000.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C11000 and C18000 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.