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Copper Alloy C28000 vs C36200

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C28000 and C36200 are both copper alloy grades. C36200 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for C28000, about 114% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 372 MPa (54 ksi). In exchange, C28000 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 25% for C36200, and C36200 is harder (115 HB vs 75 HB). C28000 is stiffer (105 GPa vs 97 GPa). On the shop floor, C36200 machines more easily (excellent vs good) and C28000 welds better (fair vs poor).

C28000Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

C36200Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.

C28000 vs C36200: properties

C28000C36200

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

105 GPa15.2 Msi
97 GPa14.1 Msi

Shear Modulus

39 GPa5.7 Msi
37 GPa5.4 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

372 MPa54 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

145 MPa21 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Elongation at Break

45%
25%

Hardness, Brinell

75 HB
115 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

35 HRB
78 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

—
120 HV

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 112 GPa16.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Shear Strength 255 MPa37 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 138 MPa20 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.39 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³
8.5 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

900°C1,652 °F
885°C1,625 °F

Liquidus Temperature

905°C1,661 °F
900°C1,652 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

123 W/m·K71.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
115 W/m·K66.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

20.8 µm/m·K11.6 µin/in·°F
20.5 µm/m·K11.4 µin/in·°F

Min Service Temperature

-100°C-148 °F
-200°C-328 °F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 160 J/g68.8 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

28 % IACS
26 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.44 µΩ·in
6.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.6 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.28 V
-0.25 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 45 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

55 / 100
100 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

40%
300%

Weldability

50 / 100
15 / 100

Formability (cold)

55 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

55 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

85 / 100
70 / 100

Polishability

75 / 100
80 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

48 MJ/kg20,636 BTU/lb
58 MJ/kg24,936 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3 kg CO₂/kg
3.6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

200 L/kg24 gal/lb
300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

70%
75%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

44 kN·m/kg
47 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

12.5 MN·m/kg
11.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

100 kJ/m³
495 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

39.1 mm²/s
35.6 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

21
23

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 scaleC28000C36200

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC28000C36200
CNC machiningYes—
Sheet metalYes—
Default conditionO—
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$ Premium
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.

C28000 vs C36200 — frequently asked

Is C36200 stronger than C28000?

Yes. C36200 has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for C28000 — about 114% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 372 MPa (54 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C28000 or C36200?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, C28000 or C36200?

C36200. Its machinability rates excellent (100/100) against good (55/100) for C28000; for welding the order is C28000 first (fair, 50/100) then C36200 (poor, 15/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C28000 and C36200 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.