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Copper Alloy C14500 vs C16200

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C14500 and C16200 are both copper alloy grades. C16200 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for C14500, about 44% more; tensile strength follows at 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). In exchange, C14500 is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 8% for C16200, and C16200 is harder (115 HB vs 85 HB). On the shop floor, C14500 machines more easily (excellent vs poor) and C16200 welds better (fair vs poor).

C14500Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

C16200Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.

C14500 vs C16200: properties

C14500C16200

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

310 MPa45 ksi
435 MPa63.1 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

275 MPa39.9 ksi
395 MPa57.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

18%
8%

Shear Strength

195 MPa28.3 ksi
265 MPa38.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

95 MPa13.8 ksi
170 MPa24.7 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

85 HB
115 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

40 HRB
65 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

—
120 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
1,030°C1,886 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,065°C1,949 °F
1,076°C1,969 °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 Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

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

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 350 W/m·K202 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

92 % IACS
87 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.87×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.736 µΩ·in
1.98×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.78 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
70 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

85 / 100
25 / 100

Weldability

25 / 100
40 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

90 / 100
85 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

—
20%

Same in both: Formability (cold) 40 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3.6 kg CO₂/kg
3.8 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb
250 L/kg30 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

35%
30%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

35 kN·m/kg
49 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

323 kJ/m³
667 kJ/m³

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

53
77

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 13.1 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 101.7 mm²/s

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 scaleC14500C16200

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC14500C16200
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 C16200 — frequently asked

Is C16200 stronger than C14500?

Yes. C16200 has a typical yield strength of 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for C14500 — about 44% more. Tensile strength is 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C14500 or C16200?

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, C14500 or C16200?

C14500. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against poor (25/100) for C16200; for welding the order is C16200 first (fair, 40/100) then C14500 (poor, 25/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C14500 and C16200 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.