Copper Alloy CuCrZr
EN CuCrZr · UNS C18150 · ASTM B624
CuCrZr (C18150, CuCr1Zr, ASTM B624) is a precipitation-hardening chromium-zirconium copper processed by laser powder bed fusion and then aged, the chromium and zirconium precipitates providing strength and softening resistance while retaining 85 % IACS conductivity and 320 W/m·K.
Values for the Aged condition
CuCrZr tempers and conditions
CuCrZr is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. Aged is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LPBF as-built (no heat treatment) | Pick only for geometry/fit checks or where low strength and ~half conductivity are acceptable; Cr/Zr remain in supersaturated solution. | 130 | 230 | 32 | 70 HB | 45 % IACS |
Stress relieved | Low-temperature cycle to cut residual stress before support removal while keeping the part dimensionally stable; properties still near as-built. | 160 | 260 | 30 | 85 HB | 57 % IACS |
hot isostatic pressing ~900–950 °C / 100–150 MPa then aged | Choose for pressure-tight, fatigue-critical parts (e.g. combustion liners): HIP closes gas porosity, giving best ductility and conductivity at slightly lower strength. | 330 | 420 | 26 | 130 HV | 87 % IACS |
AgedDefault Direct precipitation ageing ~480–500 °C / 2–4 h | Standard delivery condition for LPBF CuCrZr: ageing the as-built supersaturated structure gives ~430 MPa UTS with ~85 % IACS and >300 W/m·K. | 350 | 430 | 22 | 130 HB | 85 % IACS |
Solution treated ~950 °C, quenched + aged ~480 °C | Full solution + age when maximum strength and hardness are needed and some conductivity/distortion penalty is acceptable. | 400 | 480 | 16 | 150 HB | 82 % IACS |
What is CuCrZr?
CuCrZr (C18150, CuCr1Zr, ASTM B624) is a precipitation-hardening chromium-zirconium copper processed by laser powder bed fusion and then aged, the chromium and zirconium precipitates providing strength and softening resistance while retaining 85 % IACS conductivity and 320 W/m·K. It is chosen for conformally cooled, high-heat-flux parts: in the aged condition it reaches 350 MPa yield, 430 MPa tensile, 22 % elongation and HB 130, with service to 450 °C. High reflectivity narrows the LPBF process window, TIG/MIG welding over-ages the heat-affected zone, and the alloy cannot be anodised. CuCrZr has a density of 8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³), heavier than 72% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,070°C (1,958 °F). CuCrZr has a yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — stronger than 74% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 125 GPa (18.1 Msi).
What is CuCrZr used for?
- Induction coils
- Resistance welding electrodes
- Conformally cooled mould inserts
- Rocket engine chamber liners
- Cold plates and heat exchangers
- High-current electrical contacts
- Plasma-facing and heat-sink components
Advantages
- High service temperature — 450°C (842 °F), better than 98% of copper alloy grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 60 MPa·√m (54.6 ksi·√in), better than 90% of copper alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 85 % IACS, better than 86% of copper alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 320 W/m·K (184.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 84% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 42/100, worse than 100% of copper alloy grades
CuCrZr properties
Typical room-temperature values for CuCrZr-Aged; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
CuCrZr has a density of 8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³), heavier than 72% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,070°C (1,958 °F).
Mechanical15
CuCrZr has a yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — stronger than 74% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 125 GPa (18.1 Msi).
Thermal6
CuCrZr is rated for continuous service to 450°C (842 °F). It conducts heat at 320 W/m·K (184.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 84% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 17 µm/m·K (9.44 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CuCrZr conducts electricity at 85 % IACS, better than 86% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (42/100), worse than 100% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CuCrZr takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 3.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 52% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
CuCrZr's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 64% of copper alloy grades); weldability fair (50/100); formability fair (40/100).
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. CuCrZr is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with CuCrZr
Is CuCrZr easy to machine?
Gummy and abrasive-free but work-hardening: machine in the aged condition with sharp uncoated carbide, high speed, positive rake, generous coolant and avoid dwelling.
Can CuCrZr be welded?
Electron-beam and laser welding preferred; TIG/MIG needs high heat input with helium and re-ageing afterwards since the HAZ over-ages and loses strength.
Can CuCrZr be formed, bent or molded?
Printed on LPBF with green/IR-optimised or high-power 1 µm lasers, heated plate and thick-layer parameters; expect narrow window from high reflectivity and always age (or HIP+age) before service.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to CuCrZr. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
3D printing
| Technologies | DMLS |
|---|---|
| Layer height | 20 – 60 µmdefault 30 µm |
| Minimum wall / feature | 0.5 / 0.3 mm |
| Build envelope | 250 × 250 × 325 mm |
| Supports | Yes |
| Anisotropy | Mild |
CuCrZr 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CrAM powders typically 0.6–1.2 % | 0.5 – 1.5 | 1 |
| Zrforms Cu5Zr precipitates | 0.02 – 0.25 | 0.1 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.08 | |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Opowder oxygen, producer limit | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Curemainder, incl. Ag | balance |
What surface finishes work on CuCrZr?
Not anodisable — use machining/HIP for sealing surfaces, abrasive flow or chemical polishing on internal channels, and Ni/Ag electroplating or passivation to stop oxidation and copper migration.
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 CuCrZr in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- C18150
- ASTM
- B624
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- CuCr1Zr2.1293
- Trade names
- Chromium Zirconium Copper
- Similar grades
- QCr0.5
How much does CuCrZr cost?
CuCrZr is a premium-cost copper alloy ($$$), pricier than about 58% 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.
CuCrZr — frequently asked
What is CuCrZr used for?
CuCrZr is typically used for induction coils, resistance welding electrodes, conformally cooled mould inserts, rocket engine chamber liners, cold plates and heat exchangers and high-current electrical contacts. In short: high-strength conductive copper.
What is the yield strength of CuCrZr?
CuCrZr has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — stronger than 74% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is CuCrZr easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, better than 64% of copper alloy grades). Gummy and abrasive-free but work-hardening: machine in the aged condition with sharp uncoated carbide, high speed, positive rake, generous coolant and avoid dwelling.
Can CuCrZr be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (50/100). Electron-beam and laser welding preferred; TIG/MIG needs high heat input with helium and re-ageing afterwards since the HAZ over-ages and loses strength.
What surface finishes work on CuCrZr?
Not anodisable — use machining/HIP for sealing surfaces, abrasive flow or chemical polishing on internal channels, and Ni/Ag electroplating or passivation to stop oxidation and copper migration.
Can CuCrZr be formed, bent or molded?
Printed on LPBF with green/IR-optimised or high-power 1 µm lasers, heated plate and thick-layer parameters; expect narrow window from high reflectivity and always age (or HIP+age) before service.
What is the maximum service temperature of CuCrZr?
CuCrZr is rated for continuous use to about 450°C (842 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between CuCrZr Aged and CuCrZr-SR?
Aged is the default condition — standard delivery condition for LPBF CuCrZr: ageing the as-built supersaturated structure gives ~430 MPa UTS with ~85 % IACS and >300 W/m·K. SR: low-temperature cycle to cut residual stress before support removal while keeping the part dimensionally stable; properties still near as-built. Yield strength is 350 MPa in Aged versus 160 MPa in SR.
How much does CuCrZr cost?
CuCrZr is a premium-cost copper alloy ($$$), pricier than about 58% 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in CuCrZr?
Yes — CuCrZr is available for 3D printing with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B441 / UNS C18150 chromium-zirconium copper — ASTM (2019)
- CDA alloy datasheet C18150 — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties of Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- LPBF CuCrZr material data sheets (EOS, SLM Solutions, Trumpf, AP&C/Sandvik-type powders) — AM system and powder producers (2024)
- GB/T 5231 / CuCr1Zr designation practice — SAC (2022)
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.