Copper Alloy C18200 vs QCr0.5
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C18200 and QCr0.5 are both copper alloy grades. C18200 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) for QCr0.5, about 37% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi). In exchange, QCr0.5 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 18% for C18200, and C18200 is harder (140 HB vs 125 HB).
C18200Choose it when strength drives the design.
QCr0.5Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
C18200 vs QCr0.5: 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.
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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 117 GPa17 Msi · Shear Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.89 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,070°C1,958 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,080°C1,976 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 324 W/m·K187 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17.6 µm/m·K9.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 82 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.1×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.827 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.3 V · Corrosion Resistance 62 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Castability
Same in both: Weldability 30 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 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)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 13.2 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 94.7 mm²/s
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 | QCr0.5 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | H | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Tin Plating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C18200 vs QCr0.5 — frequently asked
Is C18200 stronger than QCr0.5?
Yes. C18200 has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) for QCr0.5 — about 37% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C18200 or QCr0.5?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 QCr0.5?
QCr0.5, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for C18200.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C18200 and QCr0.5 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.