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Copper Alloy C26000 vs C68700

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C26000 and C68700 are both copper alloy grades. C68700 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 186 MPa (27 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for C26000, about 77% more; tensile strength follows at 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) vs 325 MPa (47.1 ksi). In exchange, C26000 is the more ductile: elongation 62% versus 55% for C68700, and C68700 is harder (85 HB vs 55 HB). C26000 is stiffer (110 GPa vs 103 GPa) and C26000 conducts heat better (121 W/m·K vs 100 W/m·K).

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

C68700Choose it when strength drives the design.

C26000 vs C68700: properties

C26000C68700

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

110 GPa16 Msi
103 GPa14.9 Msi

Shear Modulus

41 GPa5.9 Msi
39 GPa5.7 Msi

Bulk Modulus

115 GPa16.7 Msi
105 GPa15.2 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.35
0.33

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

325 MPa47.1 ksi
415 MPa60.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

105 MPa15.2 ksi
186 MPa27 ksi

Elongation at Break

62%
55%

Shear Strength

234 MPa33.9 ksi
275 MPa39.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

97 MPa14.1 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

55 HB
85 HB

Hardness, Vickers

60 HV
90 HV

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
52 HRB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.53 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³
8.33 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

915°C1,679 °F
971°C1,780 °F

Liquidus Temperature

955°C1,751 °F
1,027°C1,881 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

121 W/m·K69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
100 W/m·K57.8 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 µm/m·K10 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

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

Min Service Temperature

-200°C-328 °F
-196°C-321 °F

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

28 % IACS
23 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.44 µΩ·in
7.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.95 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.28 V
-0.3 V

Corrosion Resistance

50 / 100
72 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

30%
60%

Weldability

40 / 100
35 / 100

Formability (cold)

98 / 100
85 / 100

Castability

25 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

90 / 100
85 / 100

Polishability

85 / 100
70 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 30 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb
52 MJ/kg22,356 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3.5 kg CO₂/kg
3.6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

250 L/kg30 gal/lb
300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

45%
30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

38 kN·m/kg
50 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

12.9 MN·m/kg
12.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

50 kJ/m³
168 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

37.8 mm²/s
31.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

18
22

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 scaleC26000C68700

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC26000C68700
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 C68700 — frequently asked

Is C68700 stronger than C26000?

Yes. C68700 has a typical yield strength of 186 MPa (27 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for C26000 — about 77% more. Tensile strength is 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) vs 325 MPa (47.1 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C26000 or C68700?

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 C68700?

C26000. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against fair (35/100) for C68700.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C26000 and C68700 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.