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Copper Alloy Cu-FRHC vs Cu-FRTP

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy Cu-FRHC and Cu-FRTP are both copper alloy grades. Cu-FRTP is the stronger of the two: yield strength 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for Cu-FRHC, about 4.4 times as much; tensile strength follows at 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi). In exchange, Cu-FRHC is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 8% for Cu-FRTP, and Cu-FRTP is harder (100 HB vs 45 HB). Cu-FRHC runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous).

Cu-FRHCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

Cu-FRTPChoose it when strength drives the design.

Cu-FRHC vs Cu-FRTP: properties

Cu-FRHCCu-FRTP

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

117 GPa17 Msi
122 GPa17.7 Msi

Shear Modulus

44 GPa6.4 Msi
45 GPa6.5 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

225 MPa32.6 ksi
345 MPa50 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

70 MPa10.2 ksi
305 MPa44.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

45%
8%

Reduction in Area

75%
55%

Shear Strength

150 MPa21.8 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

76 MPa11 ksi
115 MPa16.7 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

45 HB
100 HB

Hardness, Vickers

50 HV
108 HV

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
55 HRB

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.91 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
8.94 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,065°C1,949 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,083°C1,981 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

391 W/m·K226 BTU/hr·ft·°F
380 W/m·K220 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

250°C482 °F
150°C302 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17 µm/m·K9.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

101 % IACS
96 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.72×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.677 µΩ·in
1.8×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.709 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.2 V
-0.25 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 65 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

22 / 100
28 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

20%
22%

Weldability

30 / 100
35 / 100

Formability (cold)

95 / 100
35 / 100

Castability

55 / 100
60 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

95 / 100
90 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 80 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb
57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb

Embodied Water

250 L/kg30 gal/lb
260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

50%
70%

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.8 kg CO₂/kg

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

25 kN·m/kg
39 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

13.1 MN·m/kg
13.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

21 kJ/m³
381 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

114 mm²/s
110.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

44
63

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.

501002005001,0007.588.599.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleCu-FRHCCu-FRTP

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityCu-FRHCCu-FRTP
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.

Cu-FRHC vs Cu-FRTP — frequently asked

Is Cu-FRTP stronger than Cu-FRHC?

Yes. Cu-FRTP has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for Cu-FRHC — about 4.4 times as much. Tensile strength is 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).

Which is cheaper, Cu-FRHC or Cu-FRTP?

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, Cu-FRHC or Cu-FRTP?

Cu-FRTP, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 28/100 against 22/100 for Cu-FRHC; for welding the order is Cu-FRTP first (fair, 35/100) then Cu-FRHC (poor, 30/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cu-FRHC and Cu-FRTP 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.