Copper Alloy Cu-FRTP vs Cu-PHCE
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy Cu-FRTP and Cu-PHCE 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-PHCE, about 4.4 times as much; tensile strength follows at 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi). In exchange, Cu-PHCE is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 8% for Cu-FRTP, and Cu-FRTP is harder (100 HB vs 45 HB). Cu-PHCE runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, Cu-PHCE welds better (excellent vs fair).
Cu-FRTPChoose it when strength drives the design.
Cu-PHCEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Cu-FRTP vs Cu-PHCE: 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, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Density 8.94 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · Liquidus Temperature 1,083°C1,981 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.25 V
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
Same in both: Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.8 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 260 L/kg31.2 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-FRTP | Cu-PHCE |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
Cu-FRTP vs Cu-PHCE — frequently asked
Is Cu-FRTP stronger than Cu-PHCE?
Yes. Cu-FRTP has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for Cu-PHCE — about 4.4 times as much. Tensile strength is 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Cu-FRTP or Cu-PHCE?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Cu-FRTP or Cu-PHCE?
Cu-PHCE. Its weldability rates excellent (88/100) against fair (35/100) for Cu-FRTP.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cu-FRTP and Cu-PHCE 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.