Copper Alloy C68000 vs ERCu
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C68000 and ERCu are both copper alloy grades. C68000 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) for ERCu, about 3.9 times as much; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi). In exchange, ERCu is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 30% for C68000, and C68000 is harder (130 HB vs 55 HB). C68000 is lighter (8.36 g/cm³ vs 8.9 g/cm³ for ERCu) and ERCu is stiffer (115 GPa vs 103 GPa). On the shop floor, C68000 machines more easily (very good vs poor) and ERCu welds better (very good vs good).
C68000Choose 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.
C68000 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
Bulk 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, Rockwell B
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.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 92 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 28
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 | C68000 | ERCu |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C68000 vs ERCu — frequently asked
Is C68000 stronger than ERCu?
Yes. C68000 has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) for ERCu — about 3.9 times as much. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C68000 or ERCu?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C68000 or ERCu?
C68000. Its machinability rates very good (75/100) against poor (30/100) for ERCu; for welding the order is ERCu first (very good, 78/100) then C68000 (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C68000 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.