Copper Alloy CC490K vs ZCuZn40Pb2
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy CC490K and ZCuZn40Pb2 are both copper alloy grades. ZCuZn40Pb2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for CC490K, about 30% more; tensile strength follows at 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 215 MPa (31.2 ksi). In exchange, CC490K is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 18% for ZCuZn40Pb2, and ZCuZn40Pb2 is harder (85 HB vs 65 HB). ZCuZn40Pb2 conducts heat better (105 W/m·K vs 78 W/m·K). On the shop floor, ZCuZn40Pb2 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than CC490K (high, $$$$).
CC490KChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZCuZn40Pb2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when cost is the deciding factor.
CC490K vs ZCuZn40Pb2: 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
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: Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi · 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 %)
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Castability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 85%
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 | ZCuZn40Pb2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
CC490K vs ZCuZn40Pb2 — frequently asked
Is ZCuZn40Pb2 stronger than CC490K?
Yes. ZCuZn40Pb2 has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for CC490K — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 215 MPa (31.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CC490K or ZCuZn40Pb2?
ZCuZn40Pb2 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.
When should I choose CC490K over ZCuZn40Pb2?
Pick CC490K when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick ZCuZn40Pb2 when strength drives the design, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CC490K and ZCuZn40Pb2 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.