Copper Alloy C35300 vs C38500
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C35300 and C38500 are both copper alloy grades. C35300 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for C38500, about 103% more. In exchange, C38500 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 20% for C35300, and C35300 is harder (115 HB vs 100 HB). C38500 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, C38500 machines more easily (excellent vs very good).
C35300Choose it when strength drives the design.
C38500Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C35300 vs C38500: 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.
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 97 GPa14.1 Msi · Shear Modulus 37 GPa5.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 8.47 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 160 J/g68.8 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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 Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 11.5 MN·m/kg · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 25
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 | C35300 | C38500 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | H02 | As Extruded |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 9 finishes: Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Gold Plating, Nickel Plating, Painting, Silver Plating, Tin Plating.
C35300 vs C38500 — frequently asked
Is C35300 stronger than C38500?
Yes. C35300 has a typical yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for C38500 — about 103% more. Tensile strength is 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C35300 or C38500?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C35300 or C38500?
C38500. Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against very good (70/100) for C35300; for welding the order is C38500 first (poor, 20/100) then C35300 (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C35300 and C38500 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.