Copper Alloy CuNi2SiCr-AB vs CuNi2SiCr-TH04
Copper Alloy · CuNi2SiCr temper comparison
CuNi2SiCr-AB and CuNi2SiCr-TH04 are two conditions of the same copper alloy grade, CuNi2SiCr: AB (as built (as printed)) versus TH04 (TD04 and precipitation hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. CuNi2SiCr-TH04 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for CuNi2SiCr-AB, about 120% more; tensile strength follows at 720 MPa (104 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). In exchange, CuNi2SiCr-AB is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 8% for CuNi2SiCr-TH04, and CuNi2SiCr-TH04 is harder (215 HB vs 115 HB). CuNi2SiCr-TH04 runs hotter in service (300°C vs 250°C continuous) and CuNi2SiCr-TH04 conducts heat better (175 W/m·K vs 85 W/m·K).
CuNi2SiCr-ABChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
CuNi2SiCr-TH04Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
CuNi2SiCr-AB vs CuNi2SiCr-TH04: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 132 GPa19.1 Msi · Shear Modulus 50 GPa7.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 138 GPa20 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Reduction in Area 30% · Compressive Strength 520 MPa75.4 ksi · Shear Strength 380 MPa55.1 ksi · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 25 J18.4 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.8 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,050°C1,922 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,090°C1,994 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17.6 µm/m·K9.8 µin/in·°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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.25 V · Corrosion Resistance 60 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 50 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Weldability 50 / 100 · Castability 50 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 58 MJ/kg24,936 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
CuNi2SiCr-AB vs CuNi2SiCr-TH04 — frequently asked
Is CuNi2SiCr-TH04 stronger than CuNi2SiCr-AB?
Yes. CuNi2SiCr-TH04 has a typical yield strength of 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for CuNi2SiCr-AB — about 120% more. Tensile strength is 720 MPa (104 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AB or TH04?
AB+A is the default CuNi2SiCr condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AB nor TH04). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose CuNi2SiCr-AB over CuNi2SiCr-TH04?
Pick CuNi2SiCr-AB when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick CuNi2SiCr-TH04 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CuNi2SiCr-AB and CuNi2SiCr-TH04 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.