Copper Alloy C72700 vs C74400
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C72700 and C74400 are both copper alloy grades. C72700 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 730 MPa (106 ksi) against 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) for C74400, about 66% more; tensile strength follows at 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 515 MPa (74.7 ksi). In exchange, C74400 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for C72700, and C72700 is harder (250 HV vs 145 HV). C72700 is stiffer (131 GPa vs 124 GPa) and C74400 conducts heat better (45 W/m·K vs 33 W/m·K). On the shop floor, C74400 welds better (52 vs 35 out of 100).
C72700Choose it when strength drives the design.
C74400Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
C72700 vs C74400: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Brinell
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 377 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 200 J/g86 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °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)
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)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 12
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 | C72700 | C74400 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C72700 vs C74400 — frequently asked
Is C72700 stronger than C74400?
Yes. C72700 has a typical yield strength of 730 MPa (106 ksi) against 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) for C74400 — about 66% more. Tensile strength is 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 515 MPa (74.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C72700 or C74400?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C72700 or C74400?
C72700, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 25/100 for C74400; for welding the order is C74400 first (fair, 52/100) then C72700 (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C72700 and C74400 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.