Copper Alloy C38500 vs C46400
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C38500 and C46400 are both copper alloy grades. C38500 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for C46400, about 9% more. In exchange, C46400 is the more ductile: elongation 48% versus 30% for C38500, and C38500 is harder (100 HB vs 95 HB). On the shop floor, C38500 machines more easily (excellent vs fair) and C46400 welds better (fair vs poor).
C38500Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
C46400Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
C38500 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
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 37 GPa5.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Shear Strength 275 MPa39.9 ksi
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · 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).
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)
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 | C38500 | C46400 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Default condition | As Extruded | O |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 9 finishes: Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Gold Plating, Nickel Plating, Painting, Silver Plating, Tin Plating.
C38500 vs C46400 — frequently asked
Is C38500 stronger than C46400?
Yes. C38500 has a typical tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for C46400 — about 9% more.
Which is cheaper, C38500 or C46400?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C38500 or C46400?
C38500. Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against fair (35/100) for C46400; for welding the order is C46400 first (fair, 45/100) then C38500 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C38500 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.