Copper Alloy GRCop-42 vs GRCop-84
Copper Alloy · grade comparison
Copper Alloy GRCop-42 and GRCop-84 are both copper alloy grades. GRCop-84 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for GRCop-42, about 53% more; tensile strength follows at 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) vs 455 MPa (66 ksi). In exchange, GRCop-42 is the more ductile: elongation 33% versus 22% for GRCop-84, and GRCop-84 is harder (150 HV vs 132 HV). GRCop-84 is stiffer (128 GPa vs 120 GPa) and GRCop-84 runs hotter in service (800°C vs 700°C continuous). On the shop floor, GRCop-42 machines more easily (good vs fair).
GRCop-42Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
GRCop-84Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
GRCop-42 vs GRCop-84: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 130 GPa18.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
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)
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -253°C-423 °F
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)
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 15 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 400 L/kg47.9 gal/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 | GRCop-42 | GRCop-84 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
GRCop-42 vs GRCop-84 — frequently asked
Is GRCop-84 stronger than GRCop-42?
Yes. GRCop-84 has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for GRCop-42 — about 53% more. Tensile strength is 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) vs 455 MPa (66 ksi).
Which is cheaper, GRCop-42 or GRCop-84?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, GRCop-42 or GRCop-84?
GRCop-42. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for GRCop-84; for welding the order is GRCop-42 first (good, 60/100) then GRCop-84 (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in GRCop-42 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.