Copper Alloy C17200 vs CuNi2SiCr
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C17200 and CuNi2SiCr are both copper alloy grades. CuNi2SiCr is the stronger of the two: yield strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for C17200, about 92% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi). In exchange, C17200 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 12% for CuNi2SiCr, and CuNi2SiCr is harder (190 HB vs 105 HB). C17200 is lighter (8.26 g/cm³ vs 8.8 g/cm³ for CuNi2SiCr) and CuNi2SiCr runs hotter in service (350°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, CuNi2SiCr machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100) and CuNi2SiCr sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than C17200 (specialty, $$$$$).
C17200Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
CuNi2SiCrChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
C17200 vs CuNi2SiCr: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Compressive Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
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.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.25 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 50 / 100
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 | C17200 | CuNi2SiCr |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | A | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Tin Plating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C17200 vs CuNi2SiCr — frequently asked
Is CuNi2SiCr stronger than C17200?
Yes. CuNi2SiCr has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for C17200 — about 92% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C17200 or CuNi2SiCr?
CuNi2SiCr is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while C17200 is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, C17200 or CuNi2SiCr?
CuNi2SiCr, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for C17200; for welding the order is CuNi2SiCr first (fair, 50/100) then C17200 (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C17200 and CuNi2SiCr 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.