Copper Alloy C12200 vs C15900
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C12200 and C15900 are both copper alloy grades. C15900 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 505 MPa (73.2 ksi) against 76 MPa (11 ksi) for C12200, about 6.6 times as much; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 235 MPa (34.1 ksi). In exchange, C12200 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 12% for C15900, and C15900 is harder (145 HB vs 45 HB). C15900 is stiffer (130 GPa vs 117 GPa) and C15900 runs hotter in service (500°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, C15900 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and C12200 welds better (excellent vs poor).
C12200Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
C15900Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
C12200 vs C15900: 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
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, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,083°C1,981 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,083°C1,981 °F
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)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 85 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.03×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.799 µΩ·in
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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20%
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 | C12200 | C15900 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | O | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Tin Plating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C12200 vs C15900 — frequently asked
Is C15900 stronger than C12200?
Yes. C15900 has a typical yield strength of 505 MPa (73.2 ksi) against 76 MPa (11 ksi) for C12200 — about 6.6 times as much. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 235 MPa (34.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C12200 or C15900?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C12200 or C15900?
C15900. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (20/100) for C12200; for welding the order is C12200 first (excellent, 85/100) then C15900 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C12200 and C15900 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.