Copper Alloy C18200 vs CuCrZr
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C18200 and CuCrZr are both copper alloy grades. C18200 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for CuCrZr, about 23% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 430 MPa (62.4 ksi). In exchange, CuCrZr is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 18% for C18200, and C18200 is harder (140 HB vs 130 HB). CuCrZr is stiffer (125 GPa vs 117 GPa) and CuCrZr runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, CuCrZr welds better (fair vs poor) and CuCrZr sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than C18200 (high, $$$$).
C18200Choose it when strength drives the design.
CuCrZrChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C18200 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
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)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.34
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 8.89 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,070°C1,958 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · 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
Castability
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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)
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 | C18200 | CuCrZr |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | H | Aged |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| 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.
C18200 vs CuCrZr — frequently asked
Is C18200 stronger than CuCrZr?
Yes. C18200 has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for CuCrZr — about 23% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 430 MPa (62.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C18200 or CuCrZr?
CuCrZr is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while C18200 is high ($$$$). 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, C18200 or CuCrZr?
CuCrZr, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for C18200; for welding the order is CuCrZr first (fair, 50/100) then C18200 (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C18200 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.