Copper Alloy CuCrZr · heat-treated state · default condition
Copper Alloy CuCrZr Aged
Properties of the Aged condition, compared with the other CuCrZr tempers.
Standard delivery condition for LPBF CuCrZr: ageing the as-built supersaturated structure gives ~430 MPa UTS with ~85 % IACS and >300 W/m·K.
What is CuCrZr Aged?
CuCrZr Aged is CuCrZr heat treated to Aged — standard delivery condition for LPBF CuCrZr: ageing the as-built supersaturated structure gives ~430 MPa UTS with ~85 % IACS and >300 W/m·K. CuCrZr Aged 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). CuCrZr Aged has a density of 8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³), heavier than 71% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,070°C (1,958 °F).
Advantages
- High service temperature — 450°C (842 °F), better than 99% of copper alloy grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 60 MPa·√m (54.6 ksi·√in), better than 92% of copper alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 85 % IACS, better than 85% of copper alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 320 W/m·K (184.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 82% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 42/100, worse than 100% of copper alloy grades
CuCrZr Aged properties
Typical room-temperature values for CuCrZr Aged — 14 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every CuCrZr temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the copper alloy grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
CuCrZr Aged has a density of 8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³), heavier than 71% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,070°C (1,958 °F).
Mechanical15
CuCrZr Aged 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 Aged 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 82% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 17 µm/m·K (9.44 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CuCrZr Aged conducts electricity at 85 % IACS, better than 85% 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 Aged 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 Aged'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.
Other CuCrZr tempers and conditions
CuCrZr is also supplied in 4 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the CuCrZr overview.
- AgedDefaultStandard delivery condition for LPBF CuCrZr: ageing the as-built supersaturated structure gives ~430 MPa UTS with ~85 % IACS and >300 W/m·K.350 MPa yield · 130 HB
- SAFull solution + age when maximum strength and hardness are needed and some conductivity/distortion penalty is acceptable.400 MPa yield · 150 HB
- HIP+AgedChoose for pressure-tight, fatigue-critical parts (e.g. combustion liners): HIP closes gas porosity, giving best ductility and conductivity at slightly lower strength.330 MPa yield · 130 HV
- SRLow-temperature cycle to cut residual stress before support removal while keeping the part dimensionally stable; properties still near as-built.160 MPa yield · 90 HV
- As PrintedPick only for geometry/fit checks or where low strength and ~half conductivity are acceptable; Cr/Zr remain in supersaturated solution.130 MPa yield · 70 HB
Working with CuCrZr Aged
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.
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.
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 | — |
CuCrZr Aged — frequently asked
What is CuCrZr Aged used for?
CuCrZr Aged 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 Aged?
CuCrZr Aged 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 Aged 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 Aged 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 Aged?
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 Aged 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 Aged?
CuCrZr Aged 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in CuCrZr Aged?
Yes — CuCrZr Aged 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.