Copper Alloy C26000 vs C48600
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C26000 and C48600 are both copper alloy grades. C48600 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for C26000, about 3.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 325 MPa (47.1 ksi). In exchange, C26000 is the more ductile: elongation 62% versus 18% for C48600, and C48600 is harder (125 HB vs 55 HB). C26000 is stiffer (110 GPa vs 100 GPa). On the shop floor, C48600 machines more easily (very good vs poor) and C26000 welds better (fair vs poor).
C26000Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
C48600Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
C26000 vs C48600: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 115 GPa16.7 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 165 J/g70.9 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.28 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | C26000 | C48600 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | O | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Tin Plating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C26000 vs C48600 — frequently asked
Is C48600 stronger than C26000?
Yes. C48600 has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for C26000 — about 3.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 325 MPa (47.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C26000 or C48600?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C26000 or C48600?
C48600. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against poor (30/100) for C26000; for welding the order is C26000 first (fair, 40/100) then C48600 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C26000 and C48600 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.