Copper Alloy C17450 vs CuCrZr
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C17450 and CuCrZr are both copper alloy grades. C17450 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for CuCrZr, about 71% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 430 MPa (62.4 ksi). In exchange, CuCrZr is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 12% for C17450, and C17450 is harder (200 HB vs 130 HB). C17450 is stiffer (138 GPa vs 125 GPa) and CuCrZr runs hotter in service (450°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, CuCrZr machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100) and CuCrZr sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than C17450 (high, $$$$).
C17450Choose it when strength drives the design.
CuCrZrChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C17450 vs CuCrZr: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
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)
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 | C17450 | CuCrZr |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Aged |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C17450 vs CuCrZr — frequently asked
Is C17450 stronger than CuCrZr?
Yes. C17450 has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for CuCrZr — about 71% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 430 MPa (62.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C17450 or CuCrZr?
CuCrZr is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while C17450 is high ($$$$). 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, C17450 or CuCrZr?
CuCrZr, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for C17450; for welding the order is C17450 first (good, 55/100) then CuCrZr (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C17450 and CuCrZr 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.