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Copper Alloy C12000 vs C12200

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C12000 and C12200 are both copper alloy grades. C12200 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 76 MPa (11 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for C12000, about 9% more. C12000 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous) and C12000 conducts electricity better (95 % IACS vs 85 % IACS). On the shop floor, C12200 welds better (excellent vs very good).

C12000Choose it when the part sees heat.

C12200Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.

C12000 vs C12200: properties

C12000C12200

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

115 GPa16.7 Msi
117 GPa17 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

225 MPa32.6 ksi
235 MPa34.1 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

70 MPa10.2 ksi
76 MPa11 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

60 J44.3 ft·lbf
—

Hardness, Vickers

50 HV
—

Same in both: Shear Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Elongation at Break 45% · Reduction in Area 75% · Shear Strength 150 MPa21.8 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 76 MPa11 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 45 HB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,065°C1,949 °F
1,083°C1,981 °F

Same in both: Density 8.94 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · Liquidus Temperature 1,083°C1,981 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

345 W/m·K199 BTU/hr·ft·°F
339 W/m·K196 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

17.6 µm/m·K9.8 µin/in·°F
17 µm/m·K9.4 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

250°C482 °F
200°C392 °F

Min Service Temperature

-250°C-418 °F
-200°C-328 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

95 % IACS
85 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.81×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.713 µΩ·in
2.03×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.799 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.32 V
-0.3 V

Corrosion Resistance

62 / 100
70 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

22 / 100
20 / 100

Weldability

75 / 100
85 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

98 / 100
100 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20% · Formability (cold) 98 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb
55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb

Embodied Water

300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
250 L/kg30 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

30%
35%

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.8 kg CO₂/kg

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

25 kN·m/kg
26 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

12.9 MN·m/kg
13.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

21 kJ/m³
25 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

100.2 mm²/s
98.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

38
40

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 scaleC12200C12000

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC12000C12200
CNC machining—Yes
Sheet metal—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.

C12000 vs C12200 — frequently asked

Is C12200 stronger than C12000?

Yes. C12200 has a typical yield strength of 76 MPa (11 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for C12000 — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C12000 or C12200?

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 welds better, C12000 or C12200?

C12200. Its weldability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (75/100) for C12000.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C12000 and C12200 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.