Copper Alloy CuNi2SiCr vs GRCop-42
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy CuNi2SiCr and GRCop-42 are both copper alloy grades. CuNi2SiCr is the stronger of the two: yield strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for GRCop-42, about 82% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 455 MPa (66 ksi). In exchange, GRCop-42 is the more ductile: elongation 33% versus 12% for CuNi2SiCr, and CuNi2SiCr is harder (200 HV vs 132 HV). CuNi2SiCr is stiffer (132 GPa vs 120 GPa) and GRCop-42 runs hotter in service (700°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, GRCop-42 machines more easily (good vs fair) and GRCop-42 welds better (good vs fair).
CuNi2SiCrChoose it when strength drives the design.
GRCop-42Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
CuNi2SiCr 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 1,090°C1,994 °F
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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100
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 | CuNi2SiCr | GRCop-42 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
CuNi2SiCr vs GRCop-42 — frequently asked
Is CuNi2SiCr stronger than GRCop-42?
Yes. CuNi2SiCr has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for GRCop-42 — about 82% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 455 MPa (66 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CuNi2SiCr or GRCop-42?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, CuNi2SiCr or GRCop-42?
GRCop-42. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for CuNi2SiCr; for welding the order is GRCop-42 first (good, 60/100) then CuNi2SiCr (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CuNi2SiCr 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.