Copper Alloy C81540 vs Cu-ETP1
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C81540 and Cu-ETP1 are both copper alloy grades. C81540 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for Cu-ETP1, about 6.9 times as much; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi). In exchange, Cu-ETP1 is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 11% for C81540, and C81540 is harder (185 HB vs 45 HB). C81540 is lighter (8.61 g/cm³ vs 8.93 g/cm³ for Cu-ETP1) and C81540 is stiffer (131 GPa vs 117 GPa). On the shop floor, C81540 machines more easily (good vs poor) and Cu-ETP1 welds better (50 vs 35 out of 100).
C81540Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Cu-ETP1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
C81540 vs Cu-ETP1: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17 µm/m·K9.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.25 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
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 | C81540 | Cu-ETP1 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C81540 vs Cu-ETP1 — frequently asked
Is C81540 stronger than Cu-ETP1?
Yes. C81540 has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for Cu-ETP1 — about 6.9 times as much. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C81540 or Cu-ETP1?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C81540 or Cu-ETP1?
C81540. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (30/100) for Cu-ETP1; for welding the order is Cu-ETP1 first (fair, 50/100) then C81540 (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C81540 and Cu-ETP1 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.