Copper Alloy CuCrZr · heat-treated state
Copper Alloy CuCrZr-SA
Properties of the SA condition, compared with the other CuCrZr tempers.
Full solution + age when maximum strength and hardness are needed and some conductivity/distortion penalty is acceptable.
What is CuCrZr-SA?
CuCrZr-SA is CuCrZr heat treated to SA — full solution + age when maximum strength and hardness are needed and some conductivity/distortion penalty is acceptable. CuCrZr-SA has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 80% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 16% and the elastic modulus is 125 GPa (18.1 Msi). CuCrZr-SA 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). Aged is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SA is available on request or by drawing note.
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 — 82 % IACS, better than 83% of copper alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 305 W/m·K (176.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 82% of copper alloy grades
- High strength — 400 MPa (58 ksi), better than 80% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 42/100, worse than 100% of copper alloy grades
CuCrZr-SA properties
Typical room-temperature values for CuCrZr-SA — 12 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-SA 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-SA has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 80% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 16% and the elastic modulus is 125 GPa (18.1 Msi).
Thermal6
CuCrZr-SA is rated for continuous service to 450°C (842 °F). It conducts heat at 305 W/m·K (176.2 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-SA conducts electricity at 82 % IACS, better than 83% 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-SA 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-SA's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 64% of copper alloy grades); weldability fair (50/100); formability poor (30/100).
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-SA
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-SA — frequently asked
What is CuCrZr-SA used for?
CuCrZr-SA 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-SA?
CuCrZr-SA has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 80% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is CuCrZr-SA 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-SA 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-SA?
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-SA 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-SA?
CuCrZr-SA 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-SA?
Yes — CuCrZr-SA 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.