Precious Metal Pd99.9 vs PdCu
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal Pd99.9 and PdCu are both precious metal grades. PdCu is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for Pd99.9, about 4.4 times as much; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi). In exchange, Pd99.9 is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 28% for PdCu, and PdCu is harder (130 HB vs 40 HB). PdCu is lighter (10.4 g/cm³ vs 12.02 g/cm³ for Pd99.9) and PdCu is stiffer (130 GPa vs 121 GPa). On the shop floor, Pd99.9 welds better (very good vs good).
Pd99.9Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
PdCuChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Pd99.9 vs PdCu: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all precious metal 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 precious metal 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)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 500°C932 °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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 30 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Brazeability / Solderability 85 / 100 · Polishability 90 / 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 precious metal grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Pd99.9 | PdCu |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Pd99.9 vs PdCu — frequently asked
Is PdCu stronger than Pd99.9?
Yes. PdCu has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for Pd99.9 — about 4.4 times as much. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Pd99.9 or PdCu?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Pd99.9 or PdCu?
Pd99.9. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against good (65/100) for PdCu.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Pd99.9 and PdCu 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.