FabDigitFabDigit

Copper Alloy C17460 vs CuCrZr

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C17460 and CuCrZr are both copper alloy grades. C17460 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for CuCrZr, about 77% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 430 MPa (62.4 ksi). In exchange, CuCrZr is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 12% for C17460, and C17460 is harder (210 HB vs 130 HB). C17460 is stiffer (138 GPa vs 125 GPa) and CuCrZr runs hotter in service (450°C vs 340°C continuous). On the shop floor, CuCrZr sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than C17460 (high, $$$$).

C17460Choose it when strength drives the design.

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

C17460 vs CuCrZr: properties

C17460CuCrZr

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

138 GPa20 Msi
125 GPa18.1 Msi

Shear Modulus

53 GPa7.7 Msi
47 GPa6.8 Msi

Bulk Modulus

115 GPa16.7 Msi
137 GPa19.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.3
0.34

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

760 MPa110 ksi
430 MPa62.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

620 MPa89.9 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

12%
22%

Shear Strength

480 MPa69.6 ksi
270 MPa39.2 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
150 MPa21.8 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

210 HB
130 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

95 HRB
75 HRB

Hardness, Rockwell C

20 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

220 HV
140 HV

Reduction in Area

—
40%

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

—
60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

—
30 J22.1 ft·lbf

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.83 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
8.89 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,000°C1,832 °F
1,070°C1,958 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,070°C1,958 °F
1,085°C1,985 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

230 W/m·K133 BTU/hr·ft·°F
320 W/m·K185 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

419 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F
385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

17.5 µm/m·K9.7 µin/in·°F
17 µm/m·K9.4 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

340°C644 °F
450°C842 °F

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

52 % IACS
85 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

3.32×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.31 µΩ·in
2.03×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.799 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.22 V
-0.25 V

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
42 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Weldability

45 / 100
50 / 100

Formability (cold)

30 / 100
40 / 100

Castability

45 / 100
50 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

80 / 100
60 / 100

Polishability

80 / 100
70 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 45 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30%

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb
57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

6.5 kg CO₂/kg
3.9 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

30%
25%

Same in both: Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

86 kN·m/kg
48 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

15.6 MN·m/kg
14.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

1,393 kJ/m³
490 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

62.2 mm²/s
93.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

72
65

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 scaleCuCrZrC17460

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC17460CuCrZr
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.

C17460 vs CuCrZr — frequently asked

Is C17460 stronger than CuCrZr?

Yes. C17460 has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for CuCrZr — about 77% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 430 MPa (62.4 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C17460 or CuCrZr?

CuCrZr is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while C17460 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

Which welds better, C17460 or CuCrZr?

CuCrZr. Its weldability rates fair (50/100) against fair (45/100) for C17460.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C17460 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.