Copper Alloy Cu-FRTP-M20
Finish state
EN CR006A
M20 = as hot rolled
Hot-rolled redraw rod and wire bar as it leaves the rolling mill; the feedstock for drawing.
Values for the M20 condition
Other Cu-FRTP tempers and conditions
Cu-FRTP is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at Cu-FRTP.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soft annealed | Pick for maximum ductility and conductivity: flexible wire, gaskets, formed/bent parts and rivets. | 70 | 225 | 45 | 45 HB | 98 % IACS |
M20This page As hot rolled | Hot-rolled redraw rod and wire bar as it leaves the rolling mill; the feedstock for drawing. | 75 | 220 | 42 | 48 HB | 97 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Light draw/roll for parts that still need bending but a bit more stiffness than soft copper. | 200 | 265 | 25 | 70 HB | 97 % IACS |
Half hard | The usual compromise temper for bus bars, terminals and machined fittings needing moderate strength. | 250 | 300 | 14 | 85 HB | 96.5 % IACS |
H04Default Full hard | Standard stock condition for drawn rod, bar and overhead/hard-drawn wire — best strength-to-conductivity balance. | 305 | 345 | 8 | 100 HB | 96 % IACS |
Spring hard | Maximum cold-work strength for fine wire, springs and brush wire where ductility is not needed. | 360 | 400 | 3 | 112 HB | 95.5 % IACS |
What is Cu-FRTP-M20?
Cu-FRTP-M20 is Cu-FRTP supplied in the M20 condition — hot-rolled redraw rod and wire bar as it leaves the rolling mill; the feedstock for drawing. Cu-FRTP-M20 has a yield strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 91% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 122 GPa (17.7 Msi). Cu-FRTP-M20 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; M20 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 386 W/m·K (223 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 93% of copper alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 97 % IACS, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
- Forms and bends easily — 90/100, better than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 42%, better than 86% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 150°C (302 °F), worse than 96% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 75 MPa (10.9 ksi), worse than 91% of copper alloy grades
Cu-FRTP-M20 properties
Typical room-temperature values for Cu-FRTP-M20; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Cu-FRTP reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
Cu-FRTP-M20 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).
Mechanical13
Cu-FRTP-M20 has a yield strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 91% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 122 GPa (17.7 Msi).
Thermal6
Cu-FRTP-M20 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 386 W/m·K (223 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 93% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 17 µm/m·K (9.44 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
Cu-FRTP-M20 conducts electricity at 97 % IACS, better than 92% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (65/100), better than 58% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Cu-FRTP-M20 takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 52% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability8
Cu-FRTP-M20's machinability is poor (28/100, worse than 78% of copper alloy grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability excellent (90/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with Cu-FRTP-M20
Is Cu-FRTP easy to machine?
Gummy and stringy — use sharp, high-rake, polished tools, high speed with generous coolant; hard-drawn temper machines better than annealed, but choose C14500/C14700 or leaded brass for screw-machine work.
Can Cu-FRTP be welded?
Weldable by TIG/MIG with high heat input and preheat, but the oxygen content causes hydrogen embrittlement and porosity — prefer brazing/soldering or use Cu-DHP/OF grades for welded assemblies.
Can Cu-FRTP be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability in the O60 temper (deep drawing, bending, riveting); anneal at 400–600 °C between heavy draws and avoid reducing-atmosphere furnaces.
What surface finishes work on Cu-FRTP?
Solders and brazes readily; tin, nickel or silver plating and clear lacquer are used to prevent tarnish — anodising does not apply.
Cu-FRTP 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Opresent as Cu2O; not a specified maximum but typical of tough-pitch copper | 0.02 – 0.06 | 0.04 |
| Agcounted with Cu | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Bi | ≤ 0 | — |
| Pb | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| other impurities (total)As, Sb, Sn, Ni, Fe, S etc.; higher tolerance than Cu-ETP/Cu-FRHC | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| CuCu + Ag, oxygen-bearing (tough pitch); EN 1976 Cu-FRTP | ≥ 99.85 (balance) | — |
Cu-FRTP-M20 — frequently asked
What is Cu-FRTP-M20 used for?
Cu-FRTP-M20 is typically used for general electrical conductors, plumbing tube stock and roofing sheet. In short: commercial tough-pitch copper; 96 % IACS conductor stock; hard temper, low ductility.
What is the yield strength of Cu-FRTP-M20?
Cu-FRTP-M20 has a typical yield strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 91% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is Cu-FRTP-M20 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (28/100, worse than 78% of copper alloy grades). Gummy and stringy — use sharp, high-rake, polished tools, high speed with generous coolant; hard-drawn temper machines better than annealed, but choose C14500/C14700 or leaded brass for screw-machine work.
Can Cu-FRTP-M20 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). Weldable by TIG/MIG with high heat input and preheat, but the oxygen content causes hydrogen embrittlement and porosity — prefer brazing/soldering or use Cu-DHP/OF grades for welded assemblies.
What surface finishes work on Cu-FRTP-M20?
Solders and brazes readily; tin, nickel or silver plating and clear lacquer are used to prevent tarnish — anodising does not apply.
Can Cu-FRTP-M20 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability in the O60 temper (deep drawing, bending, riveting); anneal at 400–600 °C between heavy draws and avoid reducing-atmosphere furnaces.
What is the maximum service temperature of Cu-FRTP-M20?
Cu-FRTP-M20 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between Cu-FRTP-H04 and Cu-FRTP-O60?
H04 is the default condition — standard stock condition for drawn rod, bar and overhead/hard-drawn wire — best strength-to-conductivity balance. O60: pick for maximum ductility and conductivity: flexible wire, gaskets, formed/bent parts and rivets. Yield strength is 305 MPa in H04 versus 70 MPa in O60.
Sources
- EN 1976 — Cast unwrought copper products (Cu-FRTP) — CEN (2012)
- EN 13601 — Copper rod, bar and wire for general electrical purposes — CEN (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Copper alloy datasheets (tough-pitch copper) — Copper Development Association (2023)
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.