Copper Alloy C68000 vs ERCuSi-A
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C68000 and ERCuSi-A are both copper alloy grades. C68000 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for ERCuSi-A, about 59% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 350 MPa (50.8 ksi). In exchange, ERCuSi-A is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 30% for C68000, and C68000 is harder (130 HB vs 85 HB). C68000 conducts heat better (120 W/m·K vs 36 W/m·K). On the shop floor, C68000 machines more easily (very good vs poor) and ERCuSi-A welds better (excellent vs good).
C68000Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
ERCuSi-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
C68000 vs ERCuSi-A: 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.
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
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: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 103 GPa14.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 115 GPa16.7 Msi
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
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Brazeability / Solderability 92 / 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 | C68000 | ERCuSi-A |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C68000 vs ERCuSi-A — frequently asked
Is C68000 stronger than ERCuSi-A?
Yes. C68000 has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for ERCuSi-A — about 59% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 350 MPa (50.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C68000 or ERCuSi-A?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 ERCuSi-A?
C68000. Its machinability rates very good (75/100) against poor (33/100) for ERCuSi-A; for welding the order is ERCuSi-A first (excellent, 90/100) then C68000 (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C68000 and ERCuSi-A 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.