Copper Alloy C33000 vs C46400
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C33000 and C46400 are both copper alloy grades. C46400 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 172 MPa (24.9 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for C33000, about 56% more; tensile strength follows at 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi). In exchange, C33000 is the more ductile: elongation 55% versus 48% for C46400, and C46400 is harder (95 HB vs 55 HB). On the shop floor, C33000 machines more easily (very good vs fair) and C46400 welds better (fair vs poor).
C33000Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
C46400Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
C33000 vs C46400: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 111 GPa16.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34
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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 26 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 50%
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 | C33000 | C46400 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | O | O |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 9 finishes: Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Gold Plating, Nickel Plating, Painting, Silver Plating, Tin Plating.
C33000 vs C46400 — frequently asked
Is C46400 stronger than C33000?
Yes. C46400 has a typical yield strength of 172 MPa (24.9 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for C33000 — about 56% more. Tensile strength is 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C33000 or C46400?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C33000 or C46400?
C33000. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against fair (35/100) for C46400; for welding the order is C46400 first (fair, 45/100) then C33000 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C33000 and C46400 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.