Copper Alloy C83400 vs ZCuZn38
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C83400 and ZCuZn38 are both copper alloy grades. ZCuZn38 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C83400, about 52% more; tensile strength follows at 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 234 MPa (33.9 ksi). ZCuZn38 is harder — 62 HB against 50 HB for C83400 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. ZCuZn38 is lighter (8.43 g/cm³ vs 8.8 g/cm³ for C83400) and C83400 conducts heat better (159 W/m·K vs 118 W/m·K). On the shop floor, ZCuZn38 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than C83400 (high, $$$$).
ZCuZn38Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
C83400 vs ZCuZn38: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Reduction in Area 30% · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 40 J29.5 ft·lbf
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)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 80%
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 | ZCuZn38 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | As Cast | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| 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 ZCuZn38 — frequently asked
Is ZCuZn38 stronger than C83400?
Yes. ZCuZn38 has a typical yield strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 69 MPa (10 ksi) for C83400 — about 52% more. Tensile strength is 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 234 MPa (33.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C83400 or ZCuZn38?
ZCuZn38 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while C83400 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, C83400 or ZCuZn38?
C83400. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (50/100) for ZCuZn38.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C83400 and ZCuZn38 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.