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Copper Alloy C14500 vs C14700

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C14500 and C14700 are both copper alloy grades. C14700 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for C14500, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). In exchange, C14500 is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 12% for C14700, and C14700 is harder (95 HB vs 85 HB). C14500 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous).

C14500Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

C14700Choose it when strength drives the design.

C14500 vs C14700: properties

C14500C14700

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

310 MPa45 ksi
365 MPa52.9 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

275 MPa39.9 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

18%
12%

Shear Strength

195 MPa28.3 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

95 MPa13.8 ksi
110 MPa16 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

85 HB
95 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

40 HRB
55 HRB

Reduction in Area

—
55%

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

—
45 J33.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Vickers

—
105 HV

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

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,051°C1,924 °F
1,067°C1,953 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,065°C1,949 °F
1,083°C1,981 °F

Same in both: Density 8.94 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

350 W/m·K202 BTU/hr·ft·°F
380 W/m·K220 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

200°C392 °F
150°C302 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17.6 µm/m·K9.8 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

92 % IACS
93 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.87×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.736 µΩ·in
1.85×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.728 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.2 V
-0.25 V

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
62 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Formability (cold)

40 / 100
45 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

90 / 100
75 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

—
250%

Castability

—
45 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 85 / 100 · Weldability 25 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 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

260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb
300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

35%
40%

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

35 kN·m/kg
41 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

323 kJ/m³
438 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

101.7 mm²/s
110.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

53
67

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 13.1 MN·m/kg

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 scaleC14500C14700

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC14500C14700
CNC machiningYes—
Sheet metalYes—
Default conditionH02—
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.

C14500 vs C14700 — frequently asked

Is C14700 stronger than C14500?

Yes. C14700 has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for C14500 — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C14500 or C14700?

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 C14500 over C14700?

Pick C14500 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick C14700 when strength drives the design.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C14500 and C14700 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.