Copper Alloy C80100-M03
Finish state
UNS C80100 · ASTM B824, B369
M03 = as chill cast
For thin-wall, fine-detail electrical parts where surface finish and dimensional accuracy matter more than strength.
Values for the M03 condition
Other C80100 tempers and conditions
C80100 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at C80100.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01Default As sand cast | Standard as-cast sand casting condition — the usual stocked/produced form for electrical and vacuum parts. | 62 | 172 | 40 | 44 HB | 100 % IACS |
M03This page As chill cast | For thin-wall, fine-detail electrical parts where surface finish and dimensional accuracy matter more than strength. | 62 | 170 | 40 | 42 HB | 100 % IACS |
As investment cast | Near-net-shape complex conductive parts (waveguides, electrode holders) needing minimal machining. | 62 | 172 | 38 | 45 HB | 100 % IACS |
As centrifugally cast | Pick for rings, bushings and hollow rotationally symmetric parts; denser, less porous skin than sand cast. | 70 | 185 | 40 | 46 HB | 100 % IACS |
As plaster cast | Chill-cast in a metal mold: finer grain, sounder metal and higher strength than sand cast for repeat production runs. | 76 | 190 | 35 | 50 HB | 100 % IACS |
As continuous cast | Continuously cast bar/tube stock — soundest, most porosity-free condition and the best choice for machined conductive components and vacuum service. | 90 | 200 | 35 | 55 HB | 100 % IACS |
What is C80100-M03?
C80100-M03 is C80100 supplied in the M03 condition — for thin-wall, fine-detail electrical parts where surface finish and dimensional accuracy matter more than strength. C80100-M03 has a yield strength of 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 99% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi). C80100-M03 has a density of 8.94 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³), heavier than 90% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,083°C (1,981 °F). M01 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M03 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 391 W/m·K (225.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of copper alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 100 % IACS, better than 96% of copper alloy grades
- Forms and bends easily — 85/100, better than 85% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 40%, better than 84% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 62 MPa (8.99 ksi), worse than 99% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to machine — 22/100, worse than 94% of copper alloy grades
C80100-M03 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C80100-M03; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C80100 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C80100-M03 has a density of 8.94 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³), heavier than 90% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,083°C (1,981 °F).
Mechanical13
C80100-M03 has a yield strength of 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 99% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi).
Thermal6
C80100-M03 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °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
C80100-M03 conducts electricity at 100 % IACS, better than 96% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), worse than 57% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C80100-M03 takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 4 kg of CO₂ — less than 52% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability8
C80100-M03's machinability is poor (22/100, worse than 94% of copper alloy grades); weldability good (55/100); formability excellent (85/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C80100-M03
Is C80100 easy to machine?
Rated ~20% of free-cutting brass: gummy with long stringy chips — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, low feed, generous coolant; avoid built-up edge.
Can C80100 be welded?
GTAW, EBW and friction welding are all feasible; high thermal conductivity demands 400–600 °C preheat and high heat input, and hydrogen/oxygen pickup must be avoided to preserve oxygen-free purity.
Can C80100 be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as castings — very gassy and low fluidity, so use good degassing, chill/riser-rich gating, high pouring temperature and generous machining allowance; continuous casting gives the soundest metal.
What surface finishes work on C80100?
Cannot be anodized; typical finishes are machining plus bright dip/passivation, electroless or bright nickel, tin or silver plating for contacts, or clear lacquer to slow tarnishing.
C80100 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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) |
|---|---|
| Agcounted as copper | — |
| Other (total impurities)Pb, Fe, Zn, Sn, Ni, P, S etc. as residuals | ≤ 0.05 |
| CuCu + Ag; oxygen-free, no deoxidizer residues | ≥ 99.95 (balance) |
C80100-M03 — frequently asked
What is C80100-M03 used for?
C80100-M03 is typically used for electrical conductor castings, vacuum-service parts and high-conductivity fittings. In short: highest-conductivity cast copper; oxygen-free vacuum-service grade; low strength, poor machinability.
What is the yield strength of C80100-M03?
C80100-M03 has a typical yield strength of 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 99% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is C80100-M03 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (22/100, worse than 94% of copper alloy grades). Rated ~20% of free-cutting brass: gummy with long stringy chips — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, low feed, generous coolant; avoid built-up edge.
Can C80100-M03 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). GTAW, EBW and friction welding are all feasible; high thermal conductivity demands 400–600 °C preheat and high heat input, and hydrogen/oxygen pickup must be avoided to preserve oxygen-free purity.
What surface finishes work on C80100-M03?
Cannot be anodized; typical finishes are machining plus bright dip/passivation, electroless or bright nickel, tin or silver plating for contacts, or clear lacquer to slow tarnishing.
Can C80100-M03 be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as castings — very gassy and low fluidity, so use good degassing, chill/riser-rich gating, high pouring temperature and generous machining allowance; continuous casting gives the soundest metal.
What is the maximum service temperature of C80100-M03?
C80100-M03 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between C80100-M01 and C80100-M07?
M01 is the default condition — standard as-cast sand casting condition — the usual stocked/produced form for electrical and vacuum parts. M07: continuously cast bar/tube stock — soundest, most porosity-free condition and the best choice for machined conductive components and vacuum service. Yield strength is 62 MPa in M01 versus 90 MPa in M07.
Sources
- ASTM B824 – Standard Specification for General Requirements for Copper Alloy Castings — ASTM International (2021)
- CDA Alloy Database – C80100 cast copper — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 – Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 15 – Casting — ASM International (2008)
- ASTM B601 – Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys — ASTM International (2019)
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.