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Heat-Resistant Alloy

C18200 Chromium Copper forHigh-Temperature Stability

C18200 Chromium Copper provides superior mechanical strength and hardness at elevated temperatures while maintaining approximately 80% IACS electrical conductivity.

C18200 Chromium Copper electrodes and high-temperature electrical components
Material Overview

What is C18200 Chromium Copper?

C18200 is a heat-treatable chromium copper alloy designed for applications that demand both high conductivity and enhanced mechanical properties. Through a process of solution heat treatment and aging, this alloy develops a high resistance to softening at temperatures where pure copper would fail. For CNC machining, C18200 is significantly more stable than pure copper grades, offering better tool life and surface finish. It is the primary material for resistance welding electrodes, switchgear components, and any application requiring a robust conductor capable of withstanding cyclic thermal stress.

Precision machined C18200 chromium copper parts for industrial welding equipment
Specifications

C18200 Copper Specifications

Technical data for C18200 Chromium Copper. This alloy is optimized for high-stress electrical applications and thermal environments where standard copper grades lack sufficient hardness.

C18200 Engineering Properties

Material Type

Chromium Copper (RWMA Class 2 Equivalent)

Composition

98.5% Copper (min), 0.6–1.2% Chromium

Primary Characteristics

High temperature strength, resists softening, good conductivity (80% IACS), high hardness

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

45–70 ksi (310–482 MPa)

Tensile Strength (Yield)

35–60 ksi (241–414 MPa)

Elongation at Break

15–25%

Rockwell Hardness

65–80 HRB

Density

8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³)

Elastic Modulus

18,700 ksi (129 GPa)

Thermal Conductivity

324 W/m·K (≈ 187 BTU/ft·hr·°F)

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

17.6 µm/m·°C

Softening Temperature

500 °C (932 °F)

Electrical Conductivity

80% IACS (after heat treatment)

Machinability

Good (Rating 20-30%; better than pure copper due to increased hardness)

Weldability

Good (Excellent for brazing; can be flash welded)

Corrosion Resistance

Excellent (Similar to pure copper)

Plating & Surface Finish

Supports Silver, Tin, and Nickel plating for specialized contacts

Common Forms

Rod, bar, plate, forgings

Typical Applications

Welding electrodes, circuit breaker parts, electrical switch contacts, motor commutators

Standards

ASTM B441, RWMA Class 2

Performance

C18200 Copper Performance Overview

Evaluated for industrial durability, high-temperature strength, and reliable electrical transfer.

High-Temp Strength

Hardness

Electrical Conductivity

Thermal Conductivity

Machinability

Wear Resistance

Corrosion Resistance

Cost Efficiency

Ready for high-strength C18200 Copper parts?

Expert CNC machining for Chromium Copper components. Get an engineering-reviewed quote for your high-temperature electrical projects.

Where C18200 Chromium Copper is Commonly Used

The standard choice for mechanical components that must double as high-performance electrical conductors under extreme heat.

Resistance welding tips and wheels

Spot welding electrodes (RWMA Class 2)

Electrical switchgear and circuit breaker components

Motor and generator commutators

Short circuit rings and connectors

Plastic mold inserts (to facilitate fast cooling)

Thermal management for power electronics

High-stress current-carrying studs and bolts

Electrode holders and adaptors

Material FAQs

Copper C18200 (Chromium Copper) FAQs for High-Temperature Applications

Expert technical guidance for engineering teams utilizing C18200 Chromium Copper for resistance welding electrodes, circuit breaker parts, and high-strength conductive components.

Ready for your Project

High-Strength & Thermal Durability

Copper C18200: The Engineered Solution for High-Temperature Performance

Copper C18200, or Chromium Copper, is a high-performance heat-treatable alloy designed to bridge the gap between pure copper's conductivity and steel's mechanical strength. By adding chromium, this alloy achieves exceptional hardness and resistance to softening at elevated temperatures, making it the industry standard for resistance welding and heavy-duty electrical components.

At PREMSA Industries, we specialize in machining C18200 to provide durable, high-conductivity solutions for CNC Machining projects that demand structural integrity under intense thermal stress.

Why C18200 is the 'Heavy-Duty' Choice for Engineers

  • Heat-Treatable Strength: Unlike pure copper, C18200 can be age-hardened to significantly increase its yield strength and wear resistance.
  • Thermal Softening Resistance: Maintains its hardness at temperatures where standard Copper C110 would fail or deform.
  • Excellent Conductivity: Retains approximately 80% IACS, providing a high-efficiency path for electrical current and heat transfer.
  • Wear & Deform Resistance: Ideal for components subject to repetitive mechanical pressure, such as welding electrodes and switchgear.
  • Superior Thermal Fatigue Life: Engineered to withstand rapid heating and cooling cycles without cracking or losing dimensional accuracy.
  • Good Machinability: Offers a stable and predictable response during CNC Milling, allowing for high-precision geometries.

C18200 vs. Standard Copper: Performance Under Pressure

While pure copper is the king of raw conductivity, Copper C18200 is selected when the part must also act as a structural or mechanical member. It is the tactical choice for environments where heat and force are applied simultaneously.

The Strategic Advantage

  • Extends the life of consumables like welding tips and nozzles, reducing replacement costs
  • Prevents 'mushrooming' or deformation in high-pressure electrical contacts
  • Enables the design of thinner, more efficient cooling channels in injection molds
  • Supports high-reliability assemblies in heavy industrial and automotive sectors

Mastering High-Hardness Copper

  • Our CNC Turning processes are optimized for the increased hardness of C18200
  • Clean, precise Drilling & Threading for high-current mechanical terminations
  • Expertise in achieving high-quality surface finishes for critical contact areas

Performance Strengths for Industrial Extremes

  1. Structural Hardness: Resists deformation under heavy mechanical loads.
  2. Conductivity Efficiency: High-speed energy transfer with reduced thermal build-up.
  3. Arc Resistance: Superior performance in high-voltage switching and contactors.
  4. Stability: Predictable behavior in CNC Mill-Turn operations.
  5. Thermal Transfer: Rapidly moves heat away from localized hot spots.
  6. Durability: Significantly longer service life than non-heat-treatable copper alloys.

Design Limitations to Consider

  1. Specific Heat Treatment: Its properties rely on correct age-hardening; we ensure material integrity throughout fabrication.
  2. Ductility Trade-off: Harder and less 'bendable' than pure copper; not ideal for aggressive Metal Stamping.
  3. Material Cost: A premium alloy due to the chromium content and specialized thermal processing.
  4. Joining Precision: Best joined via specialized brazing or mechanical fastening to preserve heat-treated properties.
  5. Oxidation: Develops a protective surface over time; plating is recommended for permanent low-resistance contacts.

Industrial Fabrication at PREMSA Industries

Precision Tooling & Welding Hardware

We specialize in the production of high-durability welding electrodes and mold components. Our CNC Machining handles the toughness of C18200 with ease.

  • Precision-machined nozzles and tips for resistance welding applications
  • High-tolerance cooling inserts for Injection Molding tools
  • Burr-free electrical contacts for heavy-duty switchgear

Prototyping High-Heat Components

Before moving to final C18200 production, we can use Prototype 3D Printing to validate the ergonomics and assembly of your heavy-duty hardware.

  • Test assembly layouts with SLS models
  • Fast transition from prototype validation to hard-wearing copper reality

Critical Finishing

  • Bead blasting for a uniform industrial finish and improved grip
  • Surface plating (Silver or Nickel) to enhance electrical contact life
  • Detailed inspection to verify hardness and dimensional accuracy

Common High-Performance Applications

Wherever heat and strength intersect, C18200 is the core of specialized CNC machined components.

  • Resistance welding electrodes and wheels
  • Electrical switchgear components and heavy-duty contactors
  • Core pins and cooling inserts for injection molds
  • High-current circuit breaker parts and connectors
  • Heat sinks and thermal plates for industrial power systems
  • Aerospace engine components requiring thermal conductivity
  • Automotive battery connectors for high-speed charging
  • Industrial furnace hardware and high-heat manifolds

Is C18200 Chromium Copper Right for You?

If your project involves high temperatures, mechanical pressure, and the need for high conductivity, C18200 is the ultimate material investment.

  • When parts must maintain hardness at temperatures up to 400°C-500°C
  • When building long-lasting welding electrodes or molding inserts
  • When pure copper is too soft to withstand mechanical wear or impact
  • When designing high-power electrical components for industrial grids
  • When you need a material that combines the best of copper and steel properties