FabDigitFabDigit

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: properties

C11000Cu-FRTP

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

117 GPa17 Msi
122 GPa17.7 Msi

Shear Modulus

44 GPa6.4 Msi
45 GPa6.5 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

221 MPa32.1 ksi
345 MPa50 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

69 MPa10 ksi
305 MPa44.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

45%
8%

Reduction in Area

75%
55%

Shear Strength

152 MPa22 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

76 MPa11 ksi
115 MPa16.7 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

45 HB
100 HB

Hardness, Vickers

50 HV
108 HV

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
55 HRB

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

391 W/m·K226 BTU/hr·ft·°F
380 W/m·K220 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

250°C482 °F
150°C302 °F

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

101 % IACS
96 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.71×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.673 µΩ·in
1.8×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.709 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.32 V
-0.25 V

Corrosion Resistance

60 / 100
65 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

25 / 100
28 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

20%
22%

Formability (cold)

98 / 100
35 / 100

Castability

40 / 100
60 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

92 / 100
90 / 100

Polishability

85 / 100
80 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 35 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb
57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3.6 kg CO₂/kg
3.8 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

35%
70%

Same in both: Embodied Water 260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

25 kN·m/kg
39 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

13.1 MN·m/kg
13.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

20 kJ/m³
381 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

113.6 mm²/s
110.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

43
63

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.

501002005001,0007.588.599.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleC11000Cu-FRTP

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC11000Cu-FRTP
CNC machiningYes—
Sheet metalYes—
3D printingYes—
Default conditionO—
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall0.8 mm—
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µm—
Chrome PlatingYes—
ElectropolishingYes—
Nickel PlatingYes—
PaintingYes—
Tin PlatingYes—

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.