Copper Alloy C51000 vs C51900
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C51000 and C51900 are both copper alloy grades, both spring cu alloy. C51900 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for C51000, about 3.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi). In exchange, C51000 is the more ductile: elongation 60% versus 20% for C51900, and C51900 is harder (155 HB vs 80 HB).
C51000Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
C51900Choose it when strength drives the design.
C51000 vs C51900: 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
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: 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 15 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.15×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.53 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.
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 25 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20% · Weldability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 90 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 40%
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 | C51000 | C51900 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | O | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 9 finishes: Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Gold Plating, Nickel Plating, Painting, Silver Plating, Tin Plating.
C51000 vs C51900 — frequently asked
Is C51900 stronger than C51000?
Yes. C51900 has a typical yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for C51000 — about 3.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C51000 or C51900?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$$, specialty); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose C51000 over C51900?
Pick C51000 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick C51900 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C51000 and C51900 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.