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Copper Alloy C72700 vs C74500

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C72700 and C74500 are both copper alloy grades. C72700 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 730 MPa (106 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for C74500, about 83% more; tensile strength follows at 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 510 MPa (74 ksi). In exchange, C74500 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for C72700, and C72700 is harder (250 HV vs 158 HV). C72700 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 180°C continuous) and C74500 conducts heat better (45 W/m·K vs 33 W/m·K).

C72700Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

C74500Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

C72700 vs C74500: properties

C72700C74500

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

131 GPa19 Msi
127 GPa18.4 Msi

Shear Modulus

50 GPa7.3 Msi
48 GPa7 Msi

Bulk Modulus

125 GPa18.1 Msi
128 GPa18.6 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.31
0.33

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

800 MPa116 ksi
510 MPa74 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

730 MPa106 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Elongation at Break

8%
12%

Shear Strength

480 MPa69.6 ksi
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

300 MPa43.5 ksi
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Hardness, Rockwell B

98 HRB
80 HRB

Hardness, Rockwell C

23 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

250 HV
158 HV

Hardness, Brinell

—
150 HB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.86 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
8.73 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,060°C1,940 °F
954°C1,749 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,120°C2,048 °F
1,021°C1,870 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

33 W/m·K19.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F
16.2 µm/m·K9 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

200 J/g86 BTU/lb
195 J/g83.8 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

200°C392 °F
180°C356 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 377 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

11 % IACS
9 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.57×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.18 µΩ·in
1.92×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.56 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.25 V
-0.26 V

Corrosion Resistance

72 / 100
62 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Weldability

35 / 100
40 / 100

Formability (cold)

45 / 100
60 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

70 / 100
88 / 100

Polishability

80 / 100
90 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 30 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20%

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

68 MJ/kg29,235 BTU/lb
78 MJ/kg33,534 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

4.8 kg CO₂/kg
5.2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

250 L/kg30 gal/lb
260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

25%
40%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

90 kN·m/kg
58 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

14.8 MN·m/kg
14.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

2,034 kJ/m³
630 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

9.9 mm²/s
13.7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

12
11

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.

501002005001,0007.588.599.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleC74500C72700

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC72700C74500
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 C74500 — frequently asked

Is C72700 stronger than C74500?

Yes. C72700 has a typical yield strength of 730 MPa (106 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for C74500 — about 83% more. Tensile strength is 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 510 MPa (74 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C72700 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 welds better, C72700 or C74500?

C74500. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against fair (35/100) for C72700.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C72700 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.