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Copper Alloy C18900-H02 vs C18900-M20

Copper Alloy · C18900 temper comparison

C18900-H02 and C18900-M20 are two conditions of the same copper alloy grade, C18900: H02 (half hard) versus M20 (as hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C18900-H02 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for C18900-M20, about 135% more; tensile strength follows at 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) vs 285 MPa (41.3 ksi). In exchange, C18900-M20 is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 15% for C18900-H02, and C18900-H02 is harder (98 HB vs 62 HB). C18900-M20 runs hotter in service (300°C vs 200°C continuous).

C18900-H02Choose it when strength drives the design.

C18900-M20Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

C18900-H02 vs C18900-M20: properties

C18900-H02C18900-M20

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

355 MPa51.5 ksi
285 MPa41.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

305 MPa44.2 ksi
130 MPa18.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

15%
38%

Reduction in Area

45%
62%

Shear Strength

225 MPa32.6 ksi
190 MPa27.6 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

125 MPa18.1 ksi
100 MPa14.5 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

45 J33.2 ft·lbf
70 J51.6 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

98 HB
62 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

57 HRB
28 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

120 HV
65 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 117 GPa17 Msi · Shear Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 138 GPa20 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 8.89 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,030°C1,886 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,065°C1,949 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

181 W/m·K105 BTU/hr·ft·°F
185 W/m·K107 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

200°C392 °F
300°C572 °F

Same in both: 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 · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

45 % IACS
46 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

3.83×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.51 µΩ·in
3.75×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.48 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.2 V · Corrosion Resistance 68 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

32 / 100
25 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

20%
18%

Weldability

80 / 100
85 / 100

Formability (cold)

55 / 100
80 / 100

Same in both: Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 88 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.7 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%

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 scaleC18900

C18900-H02 vs C18900-M20 — frequently asked

Is C18900-H02 stronger than C18900-M20?

Yes. C18900-H02 has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for C18900-M20 — about 135% more. Tensile strength is 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) vs 285 MPa (41.3 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H02 or M20?

H04 is the default C18900 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither H02 nor M20). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.

Which is easier to machine, C18900-H02 or C18900-M20?

C18900-H02, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 32/100 against 25/100 for C18900-M20; for welding the order is C18900-M20 first (excellent, 85/100) then C18900-H02 (very good, 80/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C18900-H02 and C18900-M20 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.