Copper Alloy C71520 vs C74500
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C71520 and C74500 are both copper alloy grades. C74500 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for C71520, about 186% more; tensile strength follows at 510 MPa (74 ksi) vs 380 MPa (55.1 ksi). In exchange, C71520 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 12% for C74500, and C74500 is harder (150 HB vs 85 HB). C71520 is stiffer (152 GPa vs 127 GPa) and C71520 runs hotter in service (350°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, C71520 welds better (excellent vs fair).
C71520Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C74500Choose it when strength drives the design.
C71520 vs C74500: 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
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
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 377 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.2 µm/m·K9 µin/in·°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
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb
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 | C71520 | C74500 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C71520 vs C74500 — frequently asked
Is C74500 stronger than C71520?
Yes. C74500 has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for C71520 — about 186% more. Tensile strength is 510 MPa (74 ksi) vs 380 MPa (55.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C71520 or C74500?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C71520 or C74500?
C74500, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 25/100 for C71520; for welding the order is C71520 first (excellent, 90/100) then C74500 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C71520 and C74500 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.