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Copper Alloy C23400 vs C26000

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C23400 and C26000 are both copper alloy grades. C23400 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for C26000, about 171% more; tensile strength follows at 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) vs 325 MPa (47.1 ksi). In exchange, C26000 is the more ductile: elongation 62% versus 14% for C23400, and C23400 is harder (105 HB vs 55 HB). C23400 conducts heat better (150 W/m·K vs 121 W/m·K).

C23400Choose it when strength drives the design.

C26000Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

C23400 vs C26000: properties

C23400C26000

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

112 GPa16.2 Msi
110 GPa16 Msi

Shear Modulus

42 GPa6.1 Msi
41 GPa5.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.34
0.35

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

355 MPa51.5 ksi
325 MPa47.1 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

285 MPa41.3 ksi
105 MPa15.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

14%
62%

Reduction in Area

55%
—

Shear Strength

250 MPa36.3 ksi
234 MPa33.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

125 MPa18.1 ksi
97 MPa14.1 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

105 HB
55 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

62 HRB
—

Hardness, Vickers

110 HV
60 HV

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 115 GPa16.7 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.72 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
8.53 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

990°C1,814 °F
915°C1,679 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,015°C1,859 °F
955°C1,751 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

150 W/m·K86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
121 W/m·K69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
375 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

19.1 µm/m·K10.6 µin/in·°F
19.9 µm/m·K11.1 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

190 J/g81.7 BTU/lb
165 J/g70.9 BTU/lb

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

34 % IACS
28 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.07×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2 µΩ·in
6.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.44 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.29 V
-0.28 V

Corrosion Resistance

58 / 100
50 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

32 / 100
30 / 100

Weldability

45 / 100
40 / 100

Formability (cold)

60 / 100
98 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

95 / 100
90 / 100

Castability

—
25 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Polishability 85 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb
55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb

Typical Recycled Content

40%
45%

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

41 kN·m/kg
38 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

12.8 MN·m/kg
12.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

363 kJ/m³
50 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

45.3 mm²/s
37.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

25
18

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 scaleC26000C23400

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC23400C26000
CNC machining—Yes
Sheet metal—Yes
Default condition—O
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.

C23400 vs C26000 — frequently asked

Is C23400 stronger than C26000?

Yes. C23400 has a typical yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for C26000 — about 171% more. Tensile strength is 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) vs 325 MPa (47.1 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C23400 or C26000?

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 welds better, C23400 or C26000?

C23400. Its weldability rates fair (45/100) against fair (40/100) for C26000.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C23400 and C26000 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.