Copper Alloy Cu-PHC
EN CR020A
Cu-PHC (CR020A) is an oxygen-free copper rod grade with a small controlled phosphorus residual, supplied annealed (M) and in tempers R200 through R360.
Reference datasheet — Cu-PHC is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the R200 condition
Cu-PHC tempers and conditions
Cu-PHC is supplied in 8 conditions, soft to hard. R200 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thermomechanically controlled processed | Pick for cast wire bar, cake, billet or continuous-cast rod feedstock to be further worked. | 55 | 170 | 35 | 40 HB | 100.5 % IACS |
R200Default R200 / O60 | Default stock condition: maximum ductility and conductivity for deep drawing, bending, spinning and welded assemblies. | 70 | 220 | 45 | 45 HB | 101 % IACS |
R220 / H065 | Use when soft copper is too limp for handling but substantial bending/forming is still required. | 160 | 235 | 30 | 65 HB | 100 % IACS |
R240 / H075 | General-purpose semi-hard rod/bar for busbar connectors and machined electrical parts needing some stiffness. | 200 | 260 | 20 | 78 HB | 99.5 % IACS |
R250 / H090 | Hard drawn rod/bar where straightness and higher proof stress matter more than bending ability. | 230 | 280 | 14 | 92 HB | 99 % IACS |
R290 / H110 | Choose for hard-drawn wire/rod in overhead conductors and spring-loaded contacts with limited forming. | 265 | 310 | 9 | 105 HB | 98.5 % IACS |
Cold worked, Rm ≥ 300 MPa | Specify when a guaranteed 300 MPa minimum tensile is contractually required in drawn rod or profile. | 275 | 325 | 8 | 108 HB | 98 % IACS |
Severely cold drawn | Maximum-strength drawn wire/small rod for springy contacts; almost no residual formability and lowest conductivity. | 335 | 380 | 4 | 65 HRB | 97.5 % IACS |
What is Cu-PHC?
Cu-PHC (CR020A) is an oxygen-free copper rod grade with a small controlled phosphorus residual, supplied annealed (M) and in tempers R200 through R360. The residual phosphorus improves weldability and brazeability while conductivity stays at 101 % IACS, close to plain oxygen-free copper; annealed properties are 70 MPa yield, 220 MPa tensile, 45 % elongation, 45 HB, 115 GPa modulus and 391 W/m·K, with service to 250 °C and a formability score of 98. Machinability is only 22 and the 250 °C limit is lower than the silver-bearing grades. Choose CuAg0.07(OF) where softening resistance above 250 °C is needed. Cu-PHC 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). Cu-PHC has a yield strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 93% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 115 GPa (16.7 Msi).
What is Cu-PHC used for?
- brazed electronic assemblies
- heat exchanger stock
- welded electrical components
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
- Difficult to machine — 22/100, worse than 94% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 70 MPa (10.2 ksi), worse than 93% of copper alloy grades
Cu-PHC properties
Typical room-temperature values for Cu-PHC-R200; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
Cu-PHC 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
Cu-PHC has a yield strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 93% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 115 GPa (16.7 Msi).
Thermal6
Cu-PHC 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 17.7 µm/m·K (9.83 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
Cu-PHC conducts electricity at 101 % IACS, better than 98% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), worse than 57% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Cu-PHC takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 52% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
Cu-PHC's machinability is poor (22/100, worse than 94% of copper alloy grades); weldability very good (78/100); 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. Cu-PHC is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with Cu-PHC
Is Cu-PHC easy to machine?
Gummy and low-rated (~20% of AISI 1212): use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, low feed and generous soluble-oil coolant, or specify a leaded/tellurium copper when heavy machining is needed.
Can Cu-PHC be welded?
Excellent for TIG/MIG/resistance and electron-beam welding — being deoxidised it is immune to hydrogen embrittlement, but the very high thermal conductivity demands 250–500 °C preheat on sections above ~3 mm.
Can Cu-PHC be formed, bent or molded?
Outstanding cold formability in R200: deep draws, tight bends and spinning are routine; interstage anneal at 400–600 °C when cold work exceeds roughly 60%.
Cu-PHC 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pcontrolled deoxidising residual | 0 – 0.01 | 0 |
| Agincluded in the Cu minimum | — | |
| Bi | ≤ 5×10⁻⁴ | |
| Pb | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Oessentially oxygen-free after P deoxidation | ≤ 0 | |
| CuCu + Ag, phosphorus not counted in the copper content | ≥ 99.95 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on Cu-PHC?
Not anodisable; readily electroplated with Ni/Ag/Sn or chemically blackened, takes a high mirror polish, and needs lacquer or Sn plating to avoid tarnish in service.
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).
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy Cu-PHC in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- CR020A
How much does Cu-PHC cost?
Cu-PHC is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
Cu-PHC — frequently asked
What is Cu-PHC used for?
Cu-PHC is typically used for brazed electronic assemblies, heat exchanger stock and welded electrical components. In short: weld-friendly oxygen-free copper; 101 % IACS with 391 W/m·K; formability score 98.
What is the yield strength of Cu-PHC?
Cu-PHC has a typical yield strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 93% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is Cu-PHC easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (22/100, worse than 94% of copper alloy grades). Gummy and low-rated (~20% of AISI 1212): use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, low feed and generous soluble-oil coolant, or specify a leaded/tellurium copper when heavy machining is needed.
Can Cu-PHC be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (78/100). Excellent for TIG/MIG/resistance and electron-beam welding — being deoxidised it is immune to hydrogen embrittlement, but the very high thermal conductivity demands 250–500 °C preheat on sections above ~3 mm.
What surface finishes work on Cu-PHC?
Not anodisable; readily electroplated with Ni/Ag/Sn or chemically blackened, takes a high mirror polish, and needs lacquer or Sn plating to avoid tarnish in service.
Can Cu-PHC be formed, bent or molded?
Outstanding cold formability in R200: deep draws, tight bends and spinning are routine; interstage anneal at 400–600 °C when cold work exceeds roughly 60%.
What is the maximum service temperature of Cu-PHC?
Cu-PHC 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 Cu-PHC-R200 and Cu-PHC-R360?
R200 is the default condition — default stock condition: maximum ductility and conductivity for deep drawing, bending, spinning and welded assemblies. R360: maximum-strength drawn wire/small rod for springy contacts; almost no residual formability and lowest conductivity. Yield strength is 70 MPa in R200 versus 335 MPa in R360.
How much does Cu-PHC cost?
Cu-PHC is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
Sources
- EN 1977 — Copper and copper alloys: copper drawing stock (wire rod) — CEN (2013)
- EN 1978 — Copper cathodes / EN 1976 cast unwrought copper products — CEN (1998)
- 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)
- CDA / copper.org high-conductivity copper alloy data — Copper Development Association (2023)
- DKI Informationsdruck i.8 — Kupfer-Werkstoffe (Cu-HCP/Cu-PHC) — Deutsches Kupferinstitut (2019)
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.