Copper Alloy C72900 vs C74500
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C72900 and C74500 are both copper alloy grades. C72900 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for C74500, about 150% more; tensile strength follows at 1,105 MPa (160 ksi) vs 510 MPa (74 ksi). In exchange, C74500 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 10% for C72900, and C72900 is harder (330 HB vs 150 HB). C72900 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 180°C continuous) and C74500 conducts heat better (45 W/m·K vs 35 W/m·K). On the shop floor, C72900 machines more easily (good vs poor) and C74500 welds better (fair vs poor).
C72900Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
C74500Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
C72900 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
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)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Same in both: 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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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
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 | C72900 | C74500 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C72900 vs C74500 — frequently asked
Is C72900 stronger than C74500?
Yes. C72900 has a typical yield strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for C74500 — about 150% more. Tensile strength is 1,105 MPa (160 ksi) vs 510 MPa (74 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C72900 or C74500?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C72900 or C74500?
C72900. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against poor (30/100) for C74500; for welding the order is C74500 first (fair, 40/100) then C72900 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C72900 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.