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Copper Alloy Cu-FRTP vs CuAg0.04(OF)

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy Cu-FRTP and CuAg0.04(OF) 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 CuAg0.04(OF), about 4.4 times as much; tensile strength follows at 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi). In exchange, CuAg0.04(OF) is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 8% for Cu-FRTP, and Cu-FRTP is harder (100 HB vs 45 HB). CuAg0.04(OF) runs hotter in service (300°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, CuAg0.04(OF) welds better (very good vs fair).

Cu-FRTPChoose it when strength drives the design.

CuAg0.04(OF)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

Cu-FRTP vs CuAg0.04(OF): properties

Cu-FRTPCuAg0.04(OF)

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

122 GPa17.7 Msi
118 GPa17.1 Msi

Shear Modulus

45 GPa6.5 Msi
44 GPa6.4 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

345 MPa50 ksi
225 MPa32.6 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

305 MPa44.2 ksi
70 MPa10.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

8%
45%

Reduction in Area

55%
75%

Shear Strength

200 MPa29 ksi
150 MPa21.8 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

115 MPa16.7 ksi
70 MPa10.2 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

100 HB
45 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

55 HRB
—

Hardness, Vickers

108 HV
50 HV

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

—
65 J47.9 ft·lbf

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

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,065°C1,949 °F
1,083°C1,981 °F

Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 1,083°C1,981 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

17 µm/m·K9.4 µin/in·°F
17.7 µm/m·K9.8 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

150°C302 °F
300°C572 °F

Min Service Temperature

-200°C-328 °F
-269°C-452 °F

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

96 % IACS
101 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.8×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.709 µΩ·in
1.71×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.673 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.25 V
-0.22 V

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
62 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

28 / 100
25 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

22%
20%

Weldability

35 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

35 / 100
98 / 100

Castability

60 / 100
40 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

90 / 100
95 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 80 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb
60 MJ/kg25,795 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3.8 kg CO₂/kg
4.2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb
350 L/kg41.9 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

70%
8%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

39 kN·m/kg
25 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

13.6 MN·m/kg
13.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

381 kJ/m³
21 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

110.4 mm²/s
113.7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

63
42

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-FRTPCuAg0.04(OF)

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityCu-FRTPCuAg0.04(OF)
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 CuAg0.04(OF) — frequently asked

Is Cu-FRTP stronger than CuAg0.04(OF)?

Yes. Cu-FRTP has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for CuAg0.04(OF) — 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 CuAg0.04(OF)?

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 CuAg0.04(OF)?

CuAg0.04(OF). Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against fair (35/100) for Cu-FRTP.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cu-FRTP and CuAg0.04(OF) 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.