Copper Alloy C85400 vs CC490K
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy C85400 and CC490K are both copper alloy grades. CC490K is the stronger of the two: yield strength 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 83 MPa (12 ksi) for C85400, about 20% more. In exchange, C85400 is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 20% for CC490K, and CC490K is harder (65 HB vs 50 HB). C85400 is stiffer (97 GPa vs 90 GPa) and C85400 conducts heat better (87 W/m·K vs 78 W/m·K). On the shop floor, C85400 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than CC490K (high, $$$$).
C85400Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
CC490KChoose it when strength drives the design.
C85400 vs CC490K: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 105 GPa15.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 377 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · 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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 80% · Castability 85 / 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 Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 10
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 | C85400 | CC490K |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
C85400 vs CC490K — frequently asked
Is CC490K stronger than C85400?
Yes. CC490K has a typical yield strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 83 MPa (12 ksi) for C85400 — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) vs 234 MPa (33.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C85400 or CC490K?
C85400 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while CC490K 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, C85400 or CC490K?
C85400. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (80/100) for CC490K; for welding the order is CC490K first (poor, 25/100) then C85400 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C85400 and CC490K 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.