Copper Alloy C11000 vs Cu-FRTP
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C11000 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 C11000, about 4.4 times as much; tensile strength follows at 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 221 MPa (32.1 ksi). In exchange, C11000 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 8% for Cu-FRTP, and Cu-FRTP is harder (100 HB vs 45 HB). C11000 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous).
C11000Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Cu-FRTPChoose it when strength drives the design.
C11000 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)
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
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 -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 %)
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)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb
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 | Cu-FRTP |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | O | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Tin Plating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C11000 vs Cu-FRTP — frequently asked
Is Cu-FRTP stronger than C11000?
Yes. Cu-FRTP has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C11000 — about 4.4 times as much. Tensile strength is 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 221 MPa (32.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C11000 or Cu-FRTP?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose C11000 over Cu-FRTP?
Pick C11000 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick Cu-FRTP when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C11000 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.
