Copper Alloy C55280 vs ERCu
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C55280 and ERCu are both copper alloy grades. C55280 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) for ERCu, about 11% more. In exchange, ERCu is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 5% for C55280, and C55280 is harder (90 HB vs 55 HB). C55280 is lighter (8.15 g/cm³ vs 8.9 g/cm³ for ERCu) and ERCu is stiffer (115 GPa vs 100 GPa). On the shop floor, ERCu welds better (very good vs poor).
C55280Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
ERCuChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C55280 vs ERCu: 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)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Bulk Modulus
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Vickers
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Machinability 30 / 100
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)
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 | C55280 | ERCu |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C55280 vs ERCu — frequently asked
Is C55280 stronger than ERCu?
Yes. C55280 has a typical tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) for ERCu — about 11% more.
Which is cheaper, C55280 or ERCu?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, C55280 or ERCu?
ERCu. Its weldability rates very good (78/100) against poor (15/100) for C55280.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C55280 and ERCu 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.