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Copper Alloy C26000 vs C41500

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C26000 and C41500 are both copper alloy grades. C41500 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for C26000, about 3.8 times as much; tensile strength follows at 455 MPa (66 ksi) vs 325 MPa (47.1 ksi). In exchange, C26000 is the more ductile: elongation 62% versus 12% for C41500, and C41500 is harder (128 HB vs 55 HB). C26000 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous).

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

C41500Choose it when strength drives the design.

C26000 vs C41500: properties

C26000C41500

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Poisson's Ratio

0.35
0.34

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

325 MPa47.1 ksi
455 MPa66 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

105 MPa15.2 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Elongation at Break

62%
12%

Shear Strength

234 MPa33.9 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

97 MPa14.1 ksi
160 MPa23.2 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

55 HB
128 HB

Hardness, Vickers

60 HV
135 HV

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
72 HRB

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 110 GPa16 Msi · Shear Modulus 41 GPa5.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 115 GPa16.7 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

915°C1,679 °F
955°C1,751 °F

Liquidus Temperature

955°C1,751 °F
1,020°C1,868 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

121 W/m·K69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
116 W/m·K67 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

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

Latent Heat of Fusion

165 J/g70.9 BTU/lb
200 J/g86 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

200°C392 °F
150°C302 °F

Min Service Temperature

-200°C-328 °F
-196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 28 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.44 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.28 V
-0.26 V

Corrosion Resistance

50 / 100
65 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

30 / 100
32 / 100

Weldability

40 / 100
45 / 100

Formability (cold)

98 / 100
55 / 100

Castability

25 / 100
35 / 100

Polishability

85 / 100
80 / 100

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

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3.5 kg CO₂/kg
3.6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

250 L/kg30 gal/lb
320 L/kg38.3 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

45%
40%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

38 kN·m/kg
52 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

12.9 MN·m/kg
12.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

50 kJ/m³
727 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

37.8 mm²/s
35 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

18
26

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 scaleC26000C41500

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC26000C41500
CNC machiningYes—
Sheet metalYes—
Default conditionO—
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall0.8 mm—
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µm—
Chrome PlatingYes—
ElectropolishingYes—
Nickel PlatingYes—
PaintingYes—
Tin PlatingYes—

They share 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.

C26000 vs C41500 — frequently asked

Is C41500 stronger than C26000?

Yes. C41500 has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for C26000 — about 3.8 times as much. Tensile strength is 455 MPa (66 ksi) vs 325 MPa (47.1 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C26000 or C41500?

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, C26000 or C41500?

C41500. 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 C26000 and C41500 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.