Copper Alloy C73100 vs C74500
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C73100 and C74500 are both copper alloy grades. C74500 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 345 MPa (50 ksi) for C73100, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 510 MPa (74 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). In exchange, C73100 is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 12% for C74500, and C74500 is harder (158 HV vs 135 HV). C73100 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 180°C continuous) and C73100 conducts electricity better (10 % IACS vs 9 % IACS). On the shop floor, C73100 welds better (good vs fair).
C73100Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C74500Choose it when strength drives the design.
C73100 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 180 MPa26.1 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 8.73 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 · 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)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20% · Polishability 90 / 100
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 Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 13.7 mm²/s
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 | C73100 | C74500 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C73100 vs C74500 — frequently asked
Is C74500 stronger than C73100?
Yes. C74500 has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 345 MPa (50 ksi) for C73100 — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 510 MPa (74 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C73100 or C74500?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C73100 or C74500?
C73100. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for C74500; for welding the order is C73100 first (good, 55/100) then C74500 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C73100 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.