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Copper Alloy C80900-M02

Heat-treated state

UNS C80900 · ASTM B369

M02 = as centrifugally cast

Chill-cast sections with finer grain — slightly higher strength and hardness than sand cast, for repeat-production electrical parts.

High cost $$$$

Values for the M02 condition

Other C80900 tempers and conditions

C80900 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at C80900.

Compare all 3 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
M01Default
As sand cast
Standard as-cast sand casting condition — the usual supply state for electrical and general engineering copper castings.621724044 HB92 % IACS
M02This page
As centrifugally cast
Chill-cast sections with finer grain — slightly higher strength and hardness than sand cast, for repeat-production electrical parts.701903548 HB92 % IACS
As pressure die cast
Continuously cast bar/tube stock — soundest, densest structure; choose when machining pressure-tight or high-conductivity parts from stock.852003052 HB93 % IACS

What is C80900-M02?

C80900-M02 is C80900 heat treated to M02 — chill-cast sections with finer grain — slightly higher strength and hardness than sand cast, for repeat-production electrical parts. C80900-M02 has a yield strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) — weaker than 93% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi). C80900-M02 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). M01 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M02 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High electrical conductivity — 92 % IACS, better than 89% of copper alloy grades
  • Conducts heat well — 350 W/m·K (202.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of copper alloy grades
  • Readily welded — 70/100, better than 85% of copper alloy grades
  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 35%, better than 80% of copper alloy grades

Limitations

  • Difficult to machine — 20/100, worse than 98% of copper alloy grades
  • Low strength — 70 MPa (10.2 ksi), worse than 93% of copper alloy grades

C80900-M02 properties

Typical room-temperature values for C80900-M02; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C80900 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.

Physical3

C80900-M02 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).

Density8.94 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,065°C1,949 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,083°C1,981 °F

Mechanical13

C80900-M02 has a yield strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) — weaker than 93% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus117 GPa17 Msi
Shear Modulus44 GPa6.4 Msi
Bulk Modulus140 GPa20.3 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.34
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)190 MPa27.6 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)70 MPa10.2 ksi
Elongation at Break35%
Reduction in Area40%
Shear Strength125 MPa18.1 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)65 MPa9.4 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)50 J36.9 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell48 HB
Hardness, Vickers50 HV

Thermal6

C80900-M02 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 350 W/m·K (202.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 17.6 µm/m·K (9.78 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity350 W/m·K202 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)17.6 µm/m·K9.8 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)200°C392 °F
Min Service Temperature-200°C-328 °F

Electrical3

C80900-M02 conducts electricity at 92 % IACS, better than 89% of copper alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity92 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.87×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.736 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), worse than 57% of copper alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.33 V
Corrosion ResistanceGood62/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in air, fresh and low-velocity sea water, neutral salts, most organics; attacked by ammonia/amines, oxidizing acids (HNO₃), sulfur compounds, and strongly aerated chloride at high velocity.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of C80900-M02 takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 52% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)3.8 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water250 L/kg30 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content35%

Manufacturability8

C80900-M02's machinability is poor (20/100, worse than 98% of copper alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability fair (38/100).

MachinabilityPoor20/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)20%
WeldabilityVery good70/100
Formability (cold)Fair38/100
CastabilityFair45/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityExcellent90/100
PolishabilityVery good75/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — copper alloy, not anodized; use electroplating (Ni/Ag/Sn) or clear lacquer to control tarnish.

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with C80900-M02

Is C80900 easy to machine?

Gummy and low rating (~20 % of free-cutting brass) — use sharp, high-rake, polished-flute tools, high speed, low feed and generous flood coolant to avoid built-up edge.

Can C80900 be welded?

Boron deoxidation gives good GTAW/GMAW weldability with ERCu filler, but high preheat (250–500 °C for thick sections) is required because of the huge thermal conductivity; braze and solder readily.

Can C80900 be formed, bent or molded?

Casting only: needs strong deoxidation/degassing, large risers and chills — pure copper shrinks ~4–5 % and gasses easily, so favour simple, uniformly thick sections.

What surface finishes work on C80900?

Not anodizable; electroplate Ni/Ag/Sn for contact surfaces or apply clear lacquer/benzotriazole to slow tarnishing; polishes bright but is soft and scratches easily.

C80900 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Bboron added as deoxidizer0.02 – 0.040.03
CuCu (including Ag) 99.70 % min≥ 99.7 (balance)—

C80900-M02 — frequently asked

What is C80900-M02 used for?

C80900-M02 is typically used for marine hardware castings, electrical fittings and terminals, deck and hull fastening hardware, heat-exchanger end castings, grounding and bonding hardware and conductive valve components. In short: boron-deoxidized cast copper; weldable conductive castings; corrosion-resistant copper grade.

What is the yield strength of C80900-M02?

C80900-M02 has a typical yield strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) — weaker than 93% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.

Is C80900-M02 easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (20/100, worse than 98% of copper alloy grades). Gummy and low rating (~20 % of free-cutting brass) — use sharp, high-rake, polished-flute tools, high speed, low feed and generous flood coolant to avoid built-up edge.

Can C80900-M02 be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Boron deoxidation gives good GTAW/GMAW weldability with ERCu filler, but high preheat (250–500 °C for thick sections) is required because of the huge thermal conductivity; braze and solder readily.

What surface finishes work on C80900-M02?

Not anodizable; electroplate Ni/Ag/Sn for contact surfaces or apply clear lacquer/benzotriazole to slow tarnishing; polishes bright but is soft and scratches easily.

Can C80900-M02 be formed, bent or molded?

Casting only: needs strong deoxidation/degassing, large risers and chills — pure copper shrinks ~4–5 % and gasses easily, so favour simple, uniformly thick sections.

What is the maximum service temperature of C80900-M02?

C80900-M02 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 C80900-M01 and C80900-M04?

M01 is the default condition — standard as-cast sand casting condition — the usual supply state for electrical and general engineering copper castings. M04: continuously cast bar/tube stock — soundest, densest structure; choose when machining pressure-tight or high-conductivity parts from stock. Yield strength is 62 MPa in M01 versus 85 MPa in M04.

Sources

  1. Cast Copper Alloys — C80900 property listing — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  3. ASTM B824 — General Requirements for Copper Alloy Castings — ASTM International (2021)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials (copper alloys) — ASM International (2005)

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.