C18200 is also known as chrome copper, modified by the addition of ~.60-1.2% chromium, and smaller amounts of silicon, lead, and iron. These additions significantly increase tensile strength with minimal impact on electrical properties.
C18200’s good electrical and thermal conductivity make it a Resistance Welding Manufacturers Alliance (RWMA) Class 2 alloy. This alloy also meets the requirements of the American Welding Society (AWS) J1.3 standard, which defines material classes for resistance-welding electrodes and tooling.
While the grade’s machinability rating (20) is poor, it can be readily cold or hot worked, bent, drawn, extruded, heat treated. Minimum hardness is RB 65, and can achieve upwards of RB 80+. It solders and brazes readily, and is weldable. It resists atmospheric corrosion and, like all copper alloys, is non-magnetic.
C18200 is used primarily in applications requiring electrical conductivity and good tensile strength, including resistance welding tips, weld wheels, bus bars, and electrodes.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Copper alloy | C18200 |
| Copper Content | ~ 98.55-99.4% | |
| Density | 8.89 g/cm3 | 0.321 lb/in3 |
| Melting Point | ~ 1,070-1,075 °C | ~ 1,958-1,967 °F |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~ 137-145 | RB 65 Min to 80+ |
| Tensile Strength | ~ 234-462 MPa | ~34,000-59,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | ~131-407 MPa | ~19,000-67,000 psi |
| Elongation at Break | ~ 6-40% | Dependent on heat treatment |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~ 117 GPa | ~ 16.97 x 106 psi |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~ 80 % IACS at 68°F | > 47 mS/m |
| Thermal Conductivity | 323.4 W/mK | 2,244 BTU in/hr-ft² °F |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good to excellent | |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic | |
| Heat Treatment | Solution heat treatment to soften, precipitation hardening to strengthen. | |
| Machinability | Poor (20–30% of 1212 steel) | Creates stringy chips, conducts heat away from cutting zone |
| Weldability | Good for soldering and brazing but mixed weldability | Gas-shielded arc welding only, butt weld only |
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