Copper Alloy C1201 1/2H vs C1201-O
Copper Alloy · C1201 temper comparison
C1201 1/2H and C1201-O are two conditions of the same copper alloy grade, C1201: 1/2H (half hard) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C1201 1/2H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C1201-O, about 3.6 times as much; tensile strength follows at 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi). In exchange, C1201-O is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 16% for C1201 1/2H, and C1201 1/2H is harder (90 HB vs 45 HB). C1201-O runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, C1201 1/2H machines more easily (fair vs poor).
C1201 1/2HChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
C1201-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C1201 1/2H vs C1201-O: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 117 GPa17 Msi · Shear Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Reduction in Area 75%
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) 17.6 µm/m·K9.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1.85×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.728 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.3 V · Corrosion Resistance 68 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20% · Weldability 75 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 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.
C1201 1/2H vs C1201-O — frequently asked
Is C1201 1/2H stronger than C1201-O?
Yes. C1201 1/2H has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C1201-O — about 3.6 times as much. Tensile strength is 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/2H or O?
O is the default C1201 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, C1201 1/2H or C1201-O?
C1201 1/2H. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for C1201-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C1201 1/2H and C1201-O 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.