Copper Alloy C15500-H01
Supply condition
UNS C15500
H01 = quarter hard
Light temper for parts that still need moderate bending but more stiffness than soft strip.
Values for the H01 condition
Other C15500 tempers and conditions
C15500 is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at C15500.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Light annealed | Softest supply condition — pick it for deep drawing, severe bending or when maximum conductivity and formability matter. | 80 | 235 | 42 | 45 HB | 93 % IACS |
H01This page Quarter hard | Light temper for parts that still need moderate bending but more stiffness than soft strip. | 205 | 270 | 25 | 70 HB | 92 % IACS |
Half hard | Best all-round strip temper: usable bend radii with roughly double the annealed yield strength. | 270 | 310 | 14 | 88 HB | 92 % IACS |
H04Default Full hard | Standard stocked temper for lead frames, commutator segments and contacts that must survive solder/braze heat with strength retained. | 310 | 345 | 6 | 100 HB | 92 % IACS |
Spring hard | Choose for flat springs and press contacts where elastic limit matters more than bendability. | 345 | 380 | 4 | 108 HB | 91 % IACS |
Extra spring hard | Higher cold-work level for thin contact springs needing extra elastic deflection. | 365 | 400 | 3 | 112 HB | 91 % IACS |
Strain hardened, quarter hard | Very heavily rolled strip for high-force miniature springs; bends only with the grain and generous radii. | 380 | 415 | 2.5 | 116 HB | 91 % IACS |
Strain hardened, half hard | Maximum strength temper of the C15500 strip range — flat parts, minimal forming, highest spring rate. | 400 | 430 | 2 | 120 HB | 90 % IACS |
What is C15500-H01?
C15500-H01 is C15500 supplied in the H01 condition — light temper for parts that still need moderate bending but more stiffness than soft strip. C15500-H01 has a yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) — weaker than 53% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi). C15500-H01 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). H04 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H01 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High electrical conductivity — 92 % IACS, better than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 344 W/m·K (198.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 86% of copper alloy grades
- High service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), better than 85% of copper alloy grades
- Forms and bends easily — 75/100, better than 82% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to machine — 20/100, worse than 98% of copper alloy grades
C15500-H01 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C15500-H01; 12 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C15500 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C15500-H01 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
C15500-H01 has a yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) — weaker than 53% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi).
Thermal6
C15500-H01 is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 344 W/m·K (198.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 86% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 17.6 µm/m·K (9.78 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C15500-H01 conducts electricity at 92 % IACS, better than 89% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 69% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C15500-H01 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
C15500-H01's machinability is poor (20/100, worse than 98% of copper alloy grades); weldability good (55/100); formability very good (75/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C15500-H01
Is C15500 easy to machine?
Gummy like pure copper (≈20 % of AISI 1212); use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, low feed and flood coolant, or specify H04+ temper to reduce built-up edge.
Can C15500 be welded?
Excellent for soldering and brazing; GTAW/resistance welding are workable but the very high thermal conductivity demands preheat and high heat input — welding destroys the cold-worked strength locally.
Can C15500 be formed, bent or molded?
Anneals softly and cold-works readily; O50/H01 for deep draws and tight bends, H04 and above only for gentle bends with the grain.
What surface finishes work on C15500?
Not anodisable; tin, silver or nickel plate for solderability and tarnish resistance, or apply benzotriazole/lacquer to keep bright copper.
C15500 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ag8–25 troy oz/ton silver addition; raises softening temperature | 0.03 – 0.1 | 0.06 |
| Pdeoxidiser | 0.04 – 0.08 | 0.06 |
| Mg | 0.08 – 0.13 | 0.1 |
| CuCu + Ag ≥ 99.75 % min | balance | — |
C15500-H01 — frequently asked
What is C15500-H01 used for?
C15500-H01 is typically used for commutator bars, motor windings and lead frames requiring soldering resistance. In short: anneal-resistant high-conductivity copper; holds temper through soldering; 92% IACS, 250 °C service.
What is the yield strength of C15500-H01?
C15500-H01 has a typical yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) — weaker than 53% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is C15500-H01 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (20/100, worse than 98% of copper alloy grades). Gummy like pure copper (≈20 % of AISI 1212); use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, low feed and flood coolant, or specify H04+ temper to reduce built-up edge.
Can C15500-H01 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). Excellent for soldering and brazing; GTAW/resistance welding are workable but the very high thermal conductivity demands preheat and high heat input — welding destroys the cold-worked strength locally.
What surface finishes work on C15500-H01?
Not anodisable; tin, silver or nickel plate for solderability and tarnish resistance, or apply benzotriazole/lacquer to keep bright copper.
Can C15500-H01 be formed, bent or molded?
Anneals softly and cold-works readily; O50/H01 for deep draws and tight bends, H04 and above only for gentle bends with the grain.
What is the maximum service temperature of C15500-H01?
C15500-H01 is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between C15500-H04 and C15500-O50?
H04 is the default condition — standard stocked temper for lead frames, commutator segments and contacts that must survive solder/braze heat with strength retained. O50: softest supply condition — pick it for deep drawing, severe bending or when maximum conductivity and formability matter. Yield strength is 310 MPa in H04 versus 80 MPa in O50.
Sources
- ASTM B747 / B152 (copper sheet, strip, plate and rolled bar) — ASTM International (2019)
- CDA UNS C15500 alloy datasheet (silver-bearing phosphorus-deoxidized copper) — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
- GB/T 2059 / GB/T 2040 (2017)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.