Copper Alloy CC490K vs ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy CC490K and ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 are both copper alloy grades. ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for CC490K, about 95% more; tensile strength follows at 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 215 MPa (31.2 ksi). ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 20% for CC490K, and ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 is harder (105 HB vs 65 HB). ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 is stiffer (100 GPa vs 90 GPa) and ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 conducts electricity better (21 % IACS vs 15 % IACS). On the shop floor, CC490K machines more easily (very good vs fair) and ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 welds better (fair vs poor).
CC490KChoose it when the part is machined in volume.
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
CC490K vs ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 105 GPa15.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Reduction in Area 20%
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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb
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 | CC490K | ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
CC490K vs ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 — frequently asked
Is ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 stronger than CC490K?
Yes. ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for CC490K — about 95% more. Tensile strength is 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 215 MPa (31.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CC490K or ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, CC490K or ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1?
CC490K. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against fair (35/100) for ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1; for welding the order is ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 first (fair, 35/100) then CC490K (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CC490K and ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 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.