Copper Alloy Cu-FRTP vs CuAg0.04
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy Cu-FRTP and CuAg0.04 are both copper alloy grades. Both yield at about 305 MPa — strength does not separate them. CuAg0.04 is harder — 115 HV against 108 HV for Cu-FRTP — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. CuAg0.04 runs hotter in service (220°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, CuAg0.04 forms better (45 vs 35 out of 100).
CuAg0.04Choose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
Cu-FRTP vs CuAg0.04: 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)
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Elongation at Break 8% · Reduction in Area 55% · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 115 MPa16.7 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.94 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · 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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 65 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 28 / 100 · Weldability 35 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/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 | CuAg0.04 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
Cu-FRTP vs CuAg0.04 — frequently asked
What is the difference between Cu-FRTP and CuAg0.04?
Copper Alloy Cu-FRTP and CuAg0.04 are both copper alloy grades. Both yield at about 305 MPa — strength does not separate them. CuAg0.04 is harder — 115 HV against 108 HV for Cu-FRTP — which matters for wear surfaces and threads.
Which is cheaper, Cu-FRTP or CuAg0.04?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Cu-FRTP over CuAg0.04?
Pick CuAg0.04 when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cu-FRTP and CuAg0.04 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.