Copper Alloy Cu-FRHC vs Cu-OF1
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy Cu-FRHC and Cu-OF1 are both copper alloy grades. Cu-OF1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for Cu-FRHC, about 4.3 times as much; tensile strength follows at 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi). In exchange, Cu-FRHC is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 12% for Cu-OF1, and Cu-OF1 is harder (95 HB vs 45 HB). Cu-OF1 is stiffer (125 GPa vs 117 GPa) and Cu-FRHC runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, Cu-OF1 welds better (good vs poor).
Cu-FRHCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Cu-OF1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
Cu-FRHC vs Cu-OF1: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 1,083°C1,981 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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
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)
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 55 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/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 | Cu-FRHC | Cu-OF1 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
Cu-FRHC vs Cu-OF1 — frequently asked
Is Cu-OF1 stronger than Cu-FRHC?
Yes. Cu-OF1 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for Cu-FRHC — about 4.3 times as much. Tensile strength is 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Cu-FRHC or Cu-OF1?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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-OF1?
Cu-OF1, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 27/100 against 22/100 for Cu-FRHC; for welding the order is Cu-OF1 first (good, 68/100) then Cu-FRHC (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cu-FRHC and Cu-OF1 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.