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Copper Alloy C24000 vs C26000

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C24000 and C26000 are both copper alloy grades. C26000 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for C24000, about 12% more. C26000 is the more ductile: elongation 62% versus 55% for C24000. C24000 conducts heat better (138 W/m·K vs 121 W/m·K).

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

C24000 vs C26000: properties

C24000C26000

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

105 GPa15.2 Msi
110 GPa16 Msi

Shear Modulus

39 GPa5.7 Msi
41 GPa5.9 Msi

Bulk Modulus

112 GPa16.2 Msi
115 GPa16.7 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.34
0.35

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

290 MPa42.1 ksi
325 MPa47.1 ksi

Elongation at Break

55%
62%

Shear Strength

220 MPa31.9 ksi
234 MPa33.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

105 MPa15.2 ksi
97 MPa14.1 ksi

Hardness, Vickers

62 HV
60 HV

Same in both: Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 105 MPa15.2 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 55 HB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.67 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³
8.53 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,000°C1,832 °F
915°C1,679 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,030°C1,886 °F
955°C1,751 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

138 W/m·K79.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
121 W/m·K69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

18.4 µm/m·K10.2 µin/in·°F
19.9 µm/m·K11.1 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

180 J/g77.4 BTU/lb
165 J/g70.9 BTU/lb

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 375 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

32 % IACS
28 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.13 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)

-0.26 V
-0.28 V

Corrosion Resistance

60 / 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)

95 / 100
98 / 100

Castability

30 / 100
25 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Brazeability / Solderability 90 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

58 MJ/kg24,936 BTU/lb
55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

4 kg CO₂/kg
3.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb
250 L/kg30 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

40%
45%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

33 kN·m/kg
38 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

12.1 MN·m/kg
12.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

53 kJ/m³
50 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

42.4 mm²/s
37.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

21
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 scaleC26000C24000

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC24000C26000
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.

C24000 vs C26000 — frequently asked

Is C26000 stronger than C24000?

Yes. C26000 has a typical tensile strength of 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for C24000 — about 12% more.

Which is cheaper, C24000 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, C24000 or C26000?

C24000. 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 C24000 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.