Copper Alloy C83400 vs ZCuZn31Al2
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C83400 and ZCuZn31Al2 are both copper alloy grades. ZCuZn31Al2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C83400, about 81% more; tensile strength follows at 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 234 MPa (33.9 ksi). In exchange, C83400 is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 16% for ZCuZn31Al2, and ZCuZn31Al2 is harder (65 HB vs 50 HB). ZCuZn31Al2 is lighter (8.5 g/cm³ vs 8.8 g/cm³ for C83400) and C83400 conducts heat better (159 W/m·K vs 100 W/m·K).
C83400Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZCuZn31Al2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
C83400 vs ZCuZn31Al2: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 105 GPa15.2 Msi
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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 62 / 100
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
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg
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 | C83400 | ZCuZn31Al2 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | As Cast | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Tin Plating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C83400 vs ZCuZn31Al2 — frequently asked
Is ZCuZn31Al2 stronger than C83400?
Yes. ZCuZn31Al2 has a typical yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C83400 — about 81% more. Tensile strength is 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 234 MPa (33.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C83400 or ZCuZn31Al2?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C83400 or ZCuZn31Al2?
C83400. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (50/100) for ZCuZn31Al2; for welding the order is C83400 first (fair, 45/100) then ZCuZn31Al2 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C83400 and ZCuZn31Al2 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.