Copper Alloy C11000
UNS C11000 · ASTM B152 · EN Cu-ETP, CW004A · JIS C1100 · GB T2
C11000 is electrolytic tough-pitch copper — 99.90 % min Cu with a small residual oxygen content (~0.02–0.04 %) that ties up impurities and preserves near-maximum conductivity.
Values for the O condition
C11000 tempers and conditions
C11000 is supplied in 12 conditions, soft to hard. O is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 12 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ODefault Annealed | Default soft temper for deep drawing, bending, riveted busbar tabs and maximum conductivity. | 69 | 221 | 45 | 45 HB | 101 % IACS |
Hot isostatic pressed | Post-processing route that closes AM/PM porosity to restore near-wrought density, conductivity and ductility. | 75 | 220 | 45 | 47 HB | 99 % IACS |
As hot rolled | Cheapest hot-worked plate, bar and busbar where dimensional tolerance and surface are secondary. | 90 | 230 | 42 | 50 HB | 100 % IACS |
L-PBF / binder-jet additive, as-built | Pick for AM heat exchangers, inductors and RF parts printed from C11000/pure-Cu powder (green or IR laser, high-density parameter set). | 130 | 215 | 35 | 62 HB | 90 % IACS |
Eighth hard | Slight cold work to flatten strip and stiffen it while keeping ample bend ductility. | 195 | 250 | 30 | 65 HB | 99 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Moderate stiffness with good bendability — roofing, gaskets, formed contacts. | 205 | 262 | 25 | 75 HB | 98 % IACS |
Half hard | Most common cold-worked temper for busbar, terminals and machined parts needing some strength. | 250 | 290 | 14 | 85 HB | 98 % IACS |
cold worked then low-temperature stress relief (~180–250 °C) | Use when machined or formed cold-worked copper must stay dimensionally stable without full softening. | 265 | 310 | 12 | 90 HB | 99 % IACS |
Full hard | Hard drawn rod, wire and strip for maximum strength/stiffness with only minor conductivity loss. | 310 | 345 | 6 | 100 HB | 97 % IACS |
Extra hard | Between hard and spring temper for stiff flat springs and stamped contacts. | 330 | 365 | 5 | 105 HB | 97 % IACS |
Spring hard | Spring-hard strip and wire for conductive springs, clips and EMI gaskets. | 345 | 380 | 4 | 110 HB | 96 % IACS |
Extra spring hard | Maximum cold-worked strength available in ETP strip/wire; almost no bend ductility. | 365 | 395 | 3 | 115 HB | 96 % IACS |
What is C11000?
C11000 is electrolytic tough-pitch copper — 99.90 % min Cu with a small residual oxygen content (~0.02–0.04 %) that ties up impurities and preserves near-maximum conductivity. It is the workhorse conductor and heat-transfer copper: 100–101 % IACS, ~390 W/m·K, excellent cold formability, and easy soldering/brazing. Main limits are hydrogen embrittlement when welded or heated in reducing atmospheres (oxygen-free C10100/C10200 is used instead), low strength that fades by annealing above ~200 °C, poor machinability, and susceptibility to ammonia and oxidizing acids. C11000 has a density of 8.94 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³), heavier than 90% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,065°C (1,949 °F). C11000 has a yield strength of 69 MPa (10 ksi) and a tensile strength of 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) — weaker than 96% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi).
What is C11000 used for?
- Electrical busbars
- Grounding straps and connectors
- Terminals and cable lugs
- Heat-sink bases and cold plates
- Switchgear and commutator contacts
- Transformer and motor windings
- Heat exchanger tube
- Architectural roofing and flashing
Advantages
- Forms and bends easily — 98/100, better than 99% of copper alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 391 W/m·K (225.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of copper alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 101 % IACS, better than 98% of copper alloy grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 45%, better than 91% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 69 MPa (10 ksi), worse than 96% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to machine — 25/100, worse than 86% of copper alloy grades
C11000 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C11000-O; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C11000 has a density of 8.94 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³), heavier than 90% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,065°C (1,949 °F).
Mechanical12
C11000 has a yield strength of 69 MPa (10 ksi) and a tensile strength of 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) — weaker than 96% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi).
Thermal6
C11000 is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 391 W/m·K (225.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 17 µm/m·K (9.44 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C11000 conducts electricity at 101 % IACS, better than 98% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), worse than 68% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C11000 takes about 53 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 85% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability8
C11000's machinability is poor (25/100, worse than 86% of copper alloy grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability excellent (98/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the copper alloy family
Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade FabDigit runs. C11000 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C11000
Is C11000 easy to machine?
Gummy and abrasive to tool edges — use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed, low feed, plenty of soluble-oil coolant; H02/H04 tempers cut far better than annealed.
Can C11000 be welded?
Prefer brazing or soldering; for fusion use GTAW/GMAW with high preheat and Cu-Si/Cu-Sn filler, but oxygen content makes the HAZ prone to hydrogen embrittlement and porosity — specify C10100/C10200 if welding is critical.
Can C11000 be formed, bent or molded?
Outstanding cold formability in O temper (deep draw, spin, roll form, tight bends); anneal 375–650 °C between severe operations and expect rapid work hardening.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to C11000. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Fair25 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.5 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 180 / 220 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 6× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / 0.4 µm |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Excellent98 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Good35 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
| Minimum bend radius | 0.5× thickness |
| Sheet thickness range | 0.5 – 3 mm |
| Spring-back | Low |
3D printing
| Technologies | DMLS |
|---|---|
| Layer height | 20 – 60 µmdefault 30 µm |
| Minimum wall / feature | 0.5 / 0.3 mm |
| Build envelope | 250 × 250 × 325 mm |
| Supports | Yes |
| Anisotropy | Mild |
C11000 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Oresidual oxygen inherent to tough-pitch copper; not limited by ASTM B5 | 0.02 – 0.05 | 0.03 |
| Agcounted as copper | ≈ 0 | 0 |
| BiGB/T 5231 T2 limit | ≤ 0 | 5×10⁻⁴ |
| PbGB/T 5231 T2 limit | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Sb | ≤ 0 | |
| As | ≤ 0 | |
| Fe | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| S | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| CuCu + Ag, 99.90 % min per ASTM B5 / GB/T T2 | ≥ 99.9 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on C11000?
Not anodizable — bright-dip/pickle then tin, nickel or silver plate for contacts, or lacquer/patinate for architecture; polishes to a high lustre but tarnishes quickly if bare.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on copper alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Plating
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy C11000 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does C11000 cost?
C11000 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 59% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
C11000 — frequently asked
What is C11000 used for?
C11000 is typically used for electrical busbars, grounding straps and connectors, terminals and cable lugs, heat-sink bases and cold plates, switchgear and commutator contacts and transformer and motor windings. In short: industrial standard pure copper.
What is the yield strength of C11000?
C11000 has a typical yield strength of 69 MPa (10 ksi) and a tensile strength of 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) — weaker than 96% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 12 listed tempers.
Is C11000 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (25/100, worse than 86% of copper alloy grades). Gummy and abrasive to tool edges — use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed, low feed, plenty of soluble-oil coolant; H02/H04 tempers cut far better than annealed.
Can C11000 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). Prefer brazing or soldering; for fusion use GTAW/GMAW with high preheat and Cu-Si/Cu-Sn filler, but oxygen content makes the HAZ prone to hydrogen embrittlement and porosity — specify C10100/C10200 if welding is critical.
What surface finishes work on C11000?
Not anodizable — bright-dip/pickle then tin, nickel or silver plate for contacts, or lacquer/patinate for architecture; polishes to a high lustre but tarnishes quickly if bare.
Can C11000 be formed, bent or molded?
Outstanding cold formability in O temper (deep draw, spin, roll form, tight bends); anneal 375–650 °C between severe operations and expect rapid work hardening.
What is the maximum service temperature of C11000?
C11000 is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between C11000-O and C11000-H10?
O is the default condition — default soft temper for deep drawing, bending, riveted busbar tabs and maximum conductivity. H10: maximum cold-worked strength available in ETP strip/wire; almost no bend ductility. Yield strength is 69 MPa in O versus 365 MPa in H10.
How much does C11000 cost?
C11000 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 59% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in C11000?
Yes — C11000 is available for CNC machining, sheet metal and 3D printing with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B152/B152M — Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate and Rolled Bar — ASTM (2019)
- ASTM B187/B187M — Copper Bus Bar, Rod and Shapes — ASTM (2020)
- ASTM B5 — Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper Refinery Shapes — ASTM (2016)
- EN 13601 / CW004A Cu-ETP — CEN (2021)
- C11000 alloy datasheet — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties of Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Pure copper (Cu) L-PBF powder datasheets — various AM powder suppliers (2024)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.