Precious Metal PdCu AS-CAST vs PdCu Spring
Precious Metal · PdCu temper comparison
PdCu AS-CAST and PdCu Spring are two conditions of the same precious metal grade, PdCu: AS-CAST versus Spring (spring hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PdCu Spring is the stronger of the two: yield strength 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for PdCu AS-CAST, about 171% more; tensile strength follows at 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi). In exchange, PdCu AS-CAST is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 2% for PdCu Spring, and PdCu Spring is harder (275 HB vs 165 HB). PdCu Spring is stiffer (132 GPa vs 125 GPa) and PdCu AS-CAST runs hotter in service (500°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, PdCu Spring machines more easily (fair vs poor) and PdCu AS-CAST welds better (65 vs 55 out of 100).
PdCu AS-CASTChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
PdCu SpringChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
PdCu AS-CAST vs PdCu Spring: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 48 GPa7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 155 GPa22.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.37
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 10.4 g/cm³0.38 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,000°C1,832 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,020°C1,868 °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 300 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 14 µm/m·K7.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 176 J/g75.7 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) 0.2 V · Corrosion Resistance 85 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 85 / 100 · Polishability 90 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 70,000 MJ/kg3.01×10⁷ BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2,500 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60,000 L/kg7,190 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 55%
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.
PdCu AS-CAST vs PdCu Spring — frequently asked
Is PdCu Spring stronger than PdCu AS-CAST?
Yes. PdCu Spring has a typical yield strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for PdCu AS-CAST — about 171% more. Tensile strength is 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AS-CAST or Spring?
Annealed is the default PdCu condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AS-CAST nor Spring). 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.
Which is easier to machine, PdCu AS-CAST or PdCu Spring?
PdCu Spring. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for PdCu AS-CAST; for welding the order is PdCu AS-CAST first (good, 65/100) then PdCu Spring (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PdCu AS-CAST and PdCu Spring 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.