Copper Alloy C18200 vs QBe0.4
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C18200 and QBe0.4 are both copper alloy grades. QBe0.4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 655 MPa (95 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for C18200, about 52% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 500 MPa (72.5 ksi). In exchange, C18200 is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 12% for QBe0.4, and QBe0.4 is harder (200 HB vs 140 HB). QBe0.4 is stiffer (138 GPa vs 117 GPa) and C18200 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, QBe0.4 welds better (fair vs poor).
C18200Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
QBe0.4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
C18200 vs QBe0.4: 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
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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%
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 | QBe0.4 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | H | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Tin Plating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C18200 vs QBe0.4 — frequently asked
Is QBe0.4 stronger than C18200?
Yes. QBe0.4 has a typical yield strength of 655 MPa (95 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for C18200 — about 52% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 500 MPa (72.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C18200 or QBe0.4?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C18200 or QBe0.4?
QBe0.4, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for C18200; for welding the order is QBe0.4 first (fair, 45/100) then C18200 (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C18200 and QBe0.4 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.