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Copper Alloy CuNi2SiCr vs GRCop-84

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy CuNi2SiCr and GRCop-84 are both copper alloy grades. CuNi2SiCr is the stronger of the two: yield strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for GRCop-84, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi). In exchange, GRCop-84 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 12% for CuNi2SiCr, and CuNi2SiCr is harder (190 HB vs 140 HB). GRCop-84 runs hotter in service (800°C vs 350°C continuous) and GRCop-84 conducts heat better (285 W/m·K vs 160 W/m·K).

CuNi2SiCrChoose it when strength drives the design.

GRCop-84Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

CuNi2SiCr vs GRCop-84: properties

CuNi2SiCrGRCop-84

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

132 GPa19.1 Msi
128 GPa18.6 Msi

Shear Modulus

50 GPa7.3 Msi
48 GPa7 Msi

Bulk Modulus

138 GPa20 Msi
130 GPa18.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.34
0.33

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

600 MPa87 ksi
530 MPa76.9 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

500 MPa72.5 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

12%
22%

Reduction in Area

30%
—

Compressive Strength

520 MPa75.4 ksi
—

Shear Strength

380 MPa55.1 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

230 MPa33.4 ksi
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

25 J18.4 ft·lbf
—

Hardness, Brinell

190 HB
140 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

91 HRB
78 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

200 HV
150 HV

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.8 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
8.76 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,050°C1,922 °F
1,070°C1,958 °F

Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 1,090°C1,994 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

160 W/m·K92.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
285 W/m·K165 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

17.6 µm/m·K9.8 µin/in·°F
16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
800°C1,472 °F

Min Service Temperature

-200°C-328 °F
-253°C-423 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

36 % IACS
65 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

4.8×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.89 µΩ·in
2.65×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.04 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

60 / 100
40 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.25 V

Manufacturability

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

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

30%
40%

Weldability

50 / 100
55 / 100

Formability (cold)

35 / 100
40 / 100

Castability

50 / 100
15 / 100

Polishability

80 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

58 MJ/kg24,936 BTU/lb
60 MJ/kg25,795 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3.6 kg CO₂/kg
5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

250 L/kg30 gal/lb
400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

25%
5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

68 kN·m/kg
61 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

15 MN·m/kg
14.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

947 kJ/m³
689 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

47.8 mm²/s
85.6 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

41
72

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 scaleGRCop-84CuNi2SiCr

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityCuNi2SiCrGRCop-84
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-84 — frequently asked

Is CuNi2SiCr stronger than GRCop-84?

Yes. CuNi2SiCr has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for GRCop-84 — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi).

Which is cheaper, CuNi2SiCr or GRCop-84?

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, CuNi2SiCr or GRCop-84?

GRCop-84. Its weldability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for CuNi2SiCr.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CuNi2SiCr and GRCop-84 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.