Copper Alloy Cu-OF vs GRCop-42
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy Cu-OF and GRCop-42 are both copper alloy grades. GRCop-42 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for Cu-OF, about 83% more; tensile strength follows at 455 MPa (66 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi). GRCop-42 is harder — 132 HV against 70 HV for Cu-OF — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. GRCop-42 runs hotter in service (700°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, GRCop-42 machines more easily (good vs poor) and Cu-OF forms better (excellent vs good).
GRCop-42Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Cu-OF vs GRCop-42: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: 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)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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-OF | GRCop-42 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
Cu-OF vs GRCop-42 — frequently asked
Is GRCop-42 stronger than Cu-OF?
Yes. GRCop-42 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for Cu-OF — about 83% more. Tensile strength is 455 MPa (66 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Cu-OF or GRCop-42?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Cu-OF or GRCop-42?
GRCop-42. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (20/100) for Cu-OF; for welding the order is GRCop-42 first (good, 60/100) then Cu-OF (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cu-OF and GRCop-42 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.