Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr) CuCrZr

Copper alloy: copper (balance) with 0.5 to 1.5 wt% chromium and 0.02 to 0.20 wt% zirconium, precipitation hardened

Also known as UNS C18150, EN 2.1293, EN name CuCr1Zr, EN name CW106C, BS CC102, Elmedur X · 1 more

CuCrZr (UNS C18150, EN CuCr1Zr, material number 2.1293) is copper with about 0.5 to 1.5 % chromium and 0.02 to 0.20 % zirconium, age-hardened to keep most of copper's conductivity while gaining strength.

13 sources · Updated 2026-10-26 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Carry current

46.4 MS/m minimum

Carry heat

323 W/(m·K)

Hold strength

480 MPa and up

Stay hard when hot

500 °C softening

Weight

8.94 g/cm3

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Cu balanceCopper
  • Cr 0.5 to 1.5%Chromium
  • Zr 0.02 to 0.2%Zirconium

Best for

Parts that must carry current or heat and keep strength under repeated heating, such as welding electrodes and high-heat-flux liners

Weakest at

Overheating: the hardened condition is lost near 500 °C, and the alloy is not resistant to ammonia, halide, cyanide, sulphide or seawater exposure

Risk at a glance

  • People Low. Fume and dust
  • If it fails High. Thermal ratcheting and creep in a regeneratively cooled liner
  • Corrosion Severe. CuCrZr is not resistant to these, per the Aurubis sheet.

Quick facts: CuCrZr

Key properties of CuCrZr
PropertyValueBasis
Density8.75 to 8.94 g/cm³4 sourced values across conditions
Yield strength233 to 500 MPa6 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength345 to 660 MPa8 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus108 to 130 GPa4 sourced values across conditions
Thermal conductivity310 to 330 W/(m·K)4 sourced values across conditions
Thermal expansion (CTE)17 to 17.6 ppm/K4 sourced values across conditions
Melting point954 to 1,081 °C3 sourced values across conditions
Specific heat367 to 386 J/(kg·K)4 sourced values across conditions

What is the density of Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr)?

Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr) has a density of 8.75 to 8.94 g/cm³. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the thermal conductivity of Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr)?

Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr) has a thermal conductivity of 310 to 330 W/(m·K). The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr)?

Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr) has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 17 to 17.6 ppm/K. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the melting point of Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr)?

Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr) has a melting point of 954 to 1,081 °C. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the yield strength of Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr)?

Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr) has a yield strength of 233 to 500 MPa. The range covers 6 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What are the other names and codes for Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr)?

Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr) is also written as UNS C18150, EN 2.1293, EN name CuCr1Zr, EN name CW106C, BS CC102, Elmedur X. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr) used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Main combustion chamber and nozzle liners of rocket engines (high-heat-flux parts); Electrical connectors and contacts, and resistance-welding electrodes.

Why it exists

CuCrZr, UNS C18150, is copper with small additions of chromium and zirconium that age-harden it. It keeps most of copper's conductivity. The Aurubis leaflet gives at least 46.4 MS/m (80 %IACS) and 323 W/(m·K) at 20 °C in the soft condition, and a yield strength of at least 450 MPa in the R480 temper. That is why it is used for resistance-welding electrodes and cap tips, and for connectors. A 2015 Brazilian paper names rocket-engine combustion chamber liners as a high-heat-flux application and compares Cu-Cr-Zr with Cu-Ag-Zr for it.

Where it's used

Rocket combustion chamber liners

The 2015 ABM paper names the main combustion chamber and liners of rocket engines as high-heat-flux parts, and compares Cu-Cr-Zr with Cu-Ag-Zr for them.

Electrodes and connectors

Aurubis lists connectors and demanding electrical components as typical uses. Wieland Duro lists spot, seam and projection welding electrodes.

Recipe

Copper alloy: copper (balance) with 0.5 to 1.5 wt% chromium and 0.02 to 0.20 wt% zirconium, precipitation hardened

CuCrZr is copper with chromium and zirconium additions that precipitation harden it. The Luvata leaflet says it is made by a billet casting process, and Wieland Duro gives its condition as solution annealed and aged to reach the strength values.

What CuCrZr is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Copper Cu balance The matrix. Copper carries the electrical and heat conduction.
Chromium Cr 0.5 to 1.5% Precipitation-hardening addition, per the Wieland and Aurubis descriptions of age hardening.
Zirconium Zr 0.02 to 0.2% Second hardening addition. Aurubis credits the chromium and zirconium pair with softening resistance.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Carry current

46.4 MS/m minimum

measured

Aurubis gives a minimum of 46.4 MS/m, which is at least 80 %IACS, in the soft condition only.

Carry heat

323 W/(m·K)

measured

Thermal conductivity is 323 W/(m·K) in the Aurubis leaflet and 320 in the Luvata leaflet, both at about room temperature.

Hold strength

480 MPa and up

measured

The R480 temper has 480 to 560 MPa tensile strength and at least 450 MPa yield. The R540 temper has 540 to 660 MPa.

Stay hard when hot

500 °C softening

measured

Luvata gives a minimum softening temperature of 500 °C for its electrodes, which is why the alloy suits welding electrodes.

Weight

8.94 g/cm3

measured

The density is 8.94 g/cm3 in the Aurubis leaflet, heavier than a lightweight structure metal.

How it compares

Against the Cu-Ag-Zr alloy that the 2015 ABM paper studies, CuCrZr is stronger at 150, 450 and 700 °C, while Cu-Ag-Zr conducts heat better. Against GRCop-84, NASA reports that GRCop-84 is weaker at lower temperatures than precipitation-strengthened alloys such as Cu-Cr-Zr when those are fully aged, which is why zirconium was added to GRCop-84. Read the rows below as one manufacturer's figures, since each source reads its own temper and product form.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
MeasurementCuCrZrCuC360C954C630BeCuC510C260Cu-AgCuNi 70/30C21000CW614NC75200C521C655Cu-TeSn/Cu
Thermal behavior and safety
Melting point, CuCrZr (Aurubis)1081 °C51083 °C954 °C1027 °C1060 °C870 °C954 to 1049 °C916 °Cno data1170 to 1240 °C954 °C875 to 890 °C1060 to 1110 °C882 to 1027 °C971 to 1027 °C1080 °C231.9 °C
Melting range, CuCr1Zr (Wieland K60)1070 to 1080 °C61083 °C954 °C1027 °C1060 °C870 °C954 to 1049 °C916 °Cno data1170 to 1240 °C954 °C875 to 890 °C1060 to 1110 °C882 to 1027 °C971 to 1027 °C1080 °C231.9 °C
Solidus to liquidus, C18150 (Fisk Alloy)1750 to 1920 °F71083 °C954 °C1027 °C1060 °C870 °C954 to 1049 °C916 °Cno data1170 to 1240 °C954 °C875 to 890 °C1060 to 1110 °C882 to 1027 °C971 to 1027 °C1080 °C231.9 °C
Specific heat, CuCrZr (Aurubis)0.383 kJ/(kg·K)80.394 kJ/(kg·K)no data419 J/(kg·K)452 J/(kg·K)no data0.38 J/(g·°C)377.1 J/(kg·K)no data377 J/(kg·K)0.38 J/(g·K)380 J/(kg·K)380 J/(kg·K)0.377 kJ/(kg·K)376.8 J/(kg.K)385.5 J/(kg·K)no data
Specific heat, CuCrZr (Luvata)376 J/(kg·K)90.394 kJ/(kg·K)no data419 J/(kg·K)452 J/(kg·K)no data0.38 J/(g·°C)377.1 J/(kg·K)no data377 J/(kg·K)0.38 J/(g·K)380 J/(kg·K)380 J/(kg·K)0.377 kJ/(kg·K)376.8 J/(kg.K)385.5 J/(kg·K)no data
Specific heat, CuCr1Zr (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)0.367 J/(g·K)100.394 kJ/(kg·K)no data419 J/(kg·K)452 J/(kg·K)no data0.38 J/(g·°C)377.1 J/(kg·K)no data377 J/(kg·K)0.38 J/(g·K)380 J/(kg·K)380 J/(kg·K)0.377 kJ/(kg·K)376.8 J/(kg.K)385.5 J/(kg·K)no data
Specific heat, CW106C (thyssenkrupp reference data)386 J/(kg·K)110.394 kJ/(kg·K)no data419 J/(kg·K)452 J/(kg·K)no data0.38 J/(g·°C)377.1 J/(kg·K)no data377 J/(kg·K)0.38 J/(g·K)380 J/(kg·K)380 J/(kg·K)0.377 kJ/(kg·K)376.8 J/(kg.K)385.5 J/(kg·K)no data
Thermal conductivity, CuCrZr (Aurubis)323 W/(m·K)17391 W/(m·K)116 W/(m·K)58.7 W/(m·K)63 W/(m·K)105 W/(m·K)84 W/(m·K)121.2 W/(m·K)no data29 W/(m·K)234 W/(m·K)123 W/(m·K)32 W/(m·K)67 W/(m·K)36.3 W/(m.K)355 W/(m·K)66.6 W/(m·K)
Thermal conductivity, CuCrZr (Luvata)320 W/(m·K)18391 W/(m·K)116 W/(m·K)58.7 W/(m·K)63 W/(m·K)105 W/(m·K)84 W/(m·K)121.2 W/(m·K)no data29 W/(m·K)234 W/(m·K)123 W/(m·K)32 W/(m·K)67 W/(m·K)36.3 W/(m.K)355 W/(m·K)66.6 W/(m·K)
Thermal conductivity, CuCr1Zr (Wieland K60)> 320 W/(m·K)19391 W/(m·K)116 W/(m·K)58.7 W/(m·K)63 W/(m·K)105 W/(m·K)84 W/(m·K)121.2 W/(m·K)no data29 W/(m·K)234 W/(m·K)123 W/(m·K)32 W/(m·K)67 W/(m·K)36.3 W/(m.K)355 W/(m·K)66.6 W/(m·K)
Thermal conductivity, CW106C heat-treated (thyssenkrupp reference data)310 to 330 W/(m·K)20391 W/(m·K)116 W/(m·K)58.7 W/(m·K)63 W/(m·K)105 W/(m·K)84 W/(m·K)121.2 W/(m·K)no data29 W/(m·K)234 W/(m·K)123 W/(m·K)32 W/(m·K)67 W/(m·K)36.3 W/(m.K)355 W/(m·K)66.6 W/(m·K)
Physical and electrical
Density, CuCrZr (wrought, Aurubis)8.94 g/cm³18.9 g/cm³8.5 g/cm³7.45 g/cm³7.58 g/cm³8.36 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³no data8.94 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.46 g/cm³8.7 g/cm³8.79 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³8.94 g/cm³7.28 g/cm³
Density, CuCrZr (Wieland K60)8.92 g/cm³28.9 g/cm³8.5 g/cm³7.45 g/cm³7.58 g/cm³8.36 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³no data8.94 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.46 g/cm³8.7 g/cm³8.79 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³8.94 g/cm³7.28 g/cm³
Density, Desktop Metal heat-treated part8.75 g/cm³38.9 g/cm³8.5 g/cm³7.45 g/cm³7.58 g/cm³8.36 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³no data8.94 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.46 g/cm³8.7 g/cm³8.79 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³8.94 g/cm³7.28 g/cm³
Density, CuCr1Zr (thyssenkrupp reference data)8.91 kg/dm348.9 g/cm³8.5 g/cm³7.45 g/cm³7.58 g/cm³8.36 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³no data8.94 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.46 g/cm³8.7 g/cm³8.79 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³8.94 g/cm³7.28 g/cm³
Electrical conductivity, CuCrZr minimum (Aurubis)> 46.4 MS/m2558 MS/m26 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS25 to 30 %IACS15 %IACS28 %IACS> 58 MS/mno data56 %IACS25 %IACS6 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS93 %IACS58 MS/m
Electrical conductivity, CuCr1Zr minimum (Wieland K60)> 43 MS/m2658 MS/m26 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS25 to 30 %IACS15 %IACS28 %IACS> 58 MS/mno data56 %IACS25 %IACS6 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS93 %IACS58 MS/m
Electrical conductivity, CuCr1Zr range (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)Range printed in a manufacturer datasheet43 to 50 MS/m2758 MS/m26 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS25 to 30 %IACS15 %IACS28 %IACS> 58 MS/mno data56 %IACS25 %IACS6 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS93 %IACS58 MS/m
Electrical conductivity, CW106C heat-treated maximum (thyssenkrupp reference data)< 43 MS/m2858 MS/m26 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS25 to 30 %IACS15 %IACS28 %IACS> 58 MS/mno data56 %IACS25 %IACS6 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS93 %IACS58 MS/m
Electrical conductivity minimum, A-Trode electrodes (Luvata)> 80 %IACS2958 MS/m26 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS25 to 30 %IACS15 %IACS28 %IACS> 58 MS/mno data56 %IACS25 %IACS6 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS93 %IACS58 MS/m
Electrical conductivity, C18150 annealed (Fisk Alloy)Value printed on a supplier product page80 %IACS3058 MS/m26 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS25 to 30 %IACS15 %IACS28 %IACS> 58 MS/mno data56 %IACS25 %IACS6 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS93 %IACS58 MS/m
Electrical conductivity, heat-treated part (Desktop Metal)87 %IACS3158 MS/m26 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS25 to 30 %IACS15 %IACS28 %IACS> 58 MS/mno data56 %IACS25 %IACS6 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS93 %IACS58 MS/m
Temperature behavior
Softening temperature, CuCrZr minimum (Luvata A-Trode)> 500 °C51no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Other measurements
Modulus of elasticity, CuCrZr (Aurubis)117 GPa12117 GPano data1.07×10^5 MPa117 GPa131 GPa110 GPa1.1×10^5 MPano datano data117 GPa97 GPa135 GPa115 GPa1.03×10^5 MPa1.17×10^5 MPa50 GPa
Modulus of elasticity, CuCr1Zr (Wieland K60)130 GPa13117 GPano data1.07×10^5 MPa117 GPa131 GPa110 GPa1.1×10^5 MPano datano data117 GPa97 GPa135 GPa115 GPa1.03×10^5 MPa1.17×10^5 MPa50 GPa
Modulus of elasticity, CuCr1Zr (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)108 kN/mm214117 GPano data1.07×10^5 MPa117 GPa131 GPa110 GPa1.1×10^5 MPano datano data117 GPa97 GPa135 GPa115 GPa1.03×10^5 MPa1.17×10^5 MPa50 GPa
Young's modulus, CW106C (thyssenkrupp reference data)1.1×10^5 to 1.3×10^5 MPa15117 GPano data1.07×10^5 MPa117 GPa131 GPa110 GPa1.1×10^5 MPano datano data117 GPa97 GPa135 GPa115 GPa1.03×10^5 MPa1.17×10^5 MPa50 GPa
Modulus of torsion, CuCr1Zr (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)45 kN/mm216no data37 GPano datano datano datano data41370 MPano datano datano datano datano datano data38610 MPa44130 MPano data
Coefficient of thermal expansion, CuCrZr (Aurubis)17.1 ppm/K2117.6 ppm/K20.5 ppm/K16.2 ppm/K15 ppm/K17.5 ppm/K17.8 µm/(m·°C)20 ppm/Kno data13.2 to 16.2 ppm/K18 ppm/K21.4 ppm/K17.7 ppm/K17.4 µm/(m·°C)18 um/(m.°C)16.5 ppm/K22 ppm/K
Coefficient of thermal expansion, CuCr1Zr (Wieland K60)17.6 ppm/K2217.6 ppm/K20.5 ppm/K16.2 ppm/K15 ppm/K17.5 ppm/K17.8 µm/(m·°C)20 ppm/Kno data13.2 to 16.2 ppm/K18 ppm/K21.4 ppm/K17.7 ppm/K17.4 µm/(m·°C)18 um/(m.°C)16.5 ppm/K22 ppm/K
Coefficient of thermal expansion, CuCr1Zr (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)17 ppm/K2317.6 ppm/K20.5 ppm/K16.2 ppm/K15 ppm/K17.5 ppm/K17.8 µm/(m·°C)20 ppm/Kno data13.2 to 16.2 ppm/K18 ppm/K21.4 ppm/K17.7 ppm/K17.4 µm/(m·°C)18 um/(m.°C)16.5 ppm/K22 ppm/K
Coefficient of thermal expansion, A-Trode (Luvata)17 ppm/K2417.6 ppm/K20.5 ppm/K16.2 ppm/K15 ppm/K17.5 ppm/K17.8 µm/(m·°C)20 ppm/Kno data13.2 to 16.2 ppm/K18 ppm/K21.4 ppm/K17.7 ppm/K17.4 µm/(m·°C)18 um/(m.°C)16.5 ppm/K22 ppm/K
Tensile strength R480 (Aurubis)480 to 560 MPa32179 to 262 MPa> 330 MPa> 586 MPa> 585 MPa410 to 590 MPa> 485 MPa324 MPa180 N/mm2358 to 414 MPa235 MPa> 360 MPa370 to 430 MPa475 to 580 MPa538 MPa> 260 MPano data
Tensile strength R540 (Aurubis)540 to 660 MPa33179 to 262 MPa> 330 MPa> 586 MPa> 585 MPa410 to 590 MPa> 485 MPa324 MPa180 N/mm2358 to 414 MPa235 MPa> 360 MPa370 to 430 MPa475 to 580 MPa538 MPa> 260 MPano data
Tensile strength, solution annealed and aged, diameter 21-50 mm (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)> 440 MPa34179 to 262 MPa> 330 MPa> 586 MPa> 585 MPa410 to 590 MPa> 485 MPa324 MPa180 N/mm2358 to 414 MPa235 MPa> 360 MPa370 to 430 MPa475 to 580 MPa538 MPa> 260 MPano data
Tensile strength, rods diameter over 30 to 50 mm, temper R430 (Wieland K60)> 430 MPa35179 to 262 MPa> 330 MPa> 586 MPa> 585 MPa410 to 590 MPa> 485 MPa324 MPa180 N/mm2358 to 414 MPa235 MPa> 360 MPa370 to 430 MPa475 to 580 MPa538 MPa> 260 MPano data
Tensile strength, rods diameter 30-50 mm, temper R430 (thyssenkrupp)Minimum value printed in a material data sheet> 430 MPa36179 to 262 MPa> 330 MPa> 586 MPa> 585 MPa410 to 590 MPa> 485 MPa324 MPa180 N/mm2358 to 414 MPa235 MPa> 360 MPa370 to 430 MPa475 to 580 MPa538 MPa> 260 MPano data
Tensile strength, wire pretempered AT TF00 (Fisk Alloy)Range printed on a supplier product page65 to 80 ksi37179 to 262 MPa> 330 MPa> 586 MPa> 585 MPa410 to 590 MPa> 485 MPa324 MPa180 N/mm2358 to 414 MPa235 MPa> 360 MPa370 to 430 MPa475 to 580 MPa538 MPa> 260 MPano data
Tensile strength, electrodes (Luvata A-Trode)Minimum value printed in a supplier leaflet> 490 MPa38179 to 262 MPa> 330 MPa> 586 MPa> 585 MPa410 to 590 MPa> 485 MPa324 MPa180 N/mm2358 to 414 MPa235 MPa> 360 MPa370 to 430 MPa475 to 580 MPa538 MPa> 260 MPano data
Tensile strength, heat-treated part (Desktop Metal)345 MPa39179 to 262 MPa> 330 MPa> 586 MPa> 585 MPa410 to 590 MPa> 485 MPa324 MPa180 N/mm2358 to 414 MPa235 MPa> 360 MPa370 to 430 MPa475 to 580 MPa538 MPa> 260 MPano data
Yield strength R480 (Aurubis)> 450 MPa4069 MPa> 130 MPa> 221 MPa> 295 MPa130 to 250 MPa550 MPa103 MPano data124 to 179 MPano data> 220 MPano data> 350 MPa310 MPa> 205 MPano data
Yield strength R540 (Aurubis)> 500 MPa4169 MPa> 130 MPa> 221 MPa> 295 MPa130 to 250 MPa550 MPa103 MPano data124 to 179 MPano data> 220 MPano data> 350 MPa310 MPa> 205 MPano data
Yield strength, solution annealed and aged, diameter 21-50 mm (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)> 350 MPa4269 MPa> 130 MPa> 221 MPa> 295 MPa130 to 250 MPa550 MPa103 MPano data124 to 179 MPano data> 220 MPano data> 350 MPa310 MPa> 205 MPano data
Yield strength, rods diameter over 30 to 50 mm, temper R430 (Wieland K60)> 350 MPa4369 MPa> 130 MPa> 221 MPa> 295 MPa130 to 250 MPa550 MPa103 MPano data124 to 179 MPano data> 220 MPano data> 350 MPa310 MPa> 205 MPano data
Yield strength, electrodes (Luvata A-Trode)Minimum value printed in a supplier leaflet> 430 MPa4469 MPa> 130 MPa> 221 MPa> 295 MPa130 to 250 MPa550 MPa103 MPano data124 to 179 MPano data> 220 MPano data> 350 MPa310 MPa> 205 MPano data
Yield strength, heat-treated part (Desktop Metal)233 MPa4569 MPa> 130 MPa> 221 MPa> 295 MPa130 to 250 MPa550 MPa103 MPano data124 to 179 MPano data> 220 MPano data> 350 MPa310 MPa> 205 MPano data
Elongation R480 (Aurubis)> 10 %4635 %> 15 %> 12 %> 10 %20 to 75 %> 13 %62 %> 37 %30 to 45 %45 %> 20 %40 %> 25 %17 %> 8 %no data
Elongation R540 (Aurubis)> 4 %4735 %> 15 %> 12 %> 10 %20 to 75 %> 13 %62 %> 37 %30 to 45 %45 %> 20 %40 %> 25 %17 %> 8 %no data
Elongation, rods diameter over 30 to 50 mm, temper R430 (Wieland K60)> 10 %4835 %> 15 %> 12 %> 10 %20 to 75 %> 13 %62 %> 37 %30 to 45 %45 %> 20 %40 %> 25 %17 %> 8 %no data
Elongation, solution annealed and aged, diameter 21-50 mm (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)> 10 %4935 %> 15 %> 12 %> 10 %20 to 75 %> 13 %62 %> 37 %30 to 45 %45 %> 20 %40 %> 25 %17 %> 8 %no data
Elongation, electrodes (Luvata A-Trode)Minimum value printed in a supplier leaflet> 15 %35 %> 15 %> 12 %> 10 %20 to 75 %> 13 %62 %> 37 %30 to 45 %45 %> 20 %40 %> 25 %17 %> 8 %no data
Elongation, heat-treated part (Desktop Metal)28 %5035 %> 15 %> 12 %> 10 %20 to 75 %> 13 %62 %> 37 %30 to 45 %45 %> 20 %40 %> 25 %17 %> 8 %no data

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Carrying current and heat at once: at least 46.4 MS/m and 323 W/(m·K) in the soft condition.
  • Electrodes and cap tips that must keep hardness at high temperature (softening at least 500 °C).
  • Rocket liner duty in the 2015 ABM study, where Cu-Cr-Zr had higher tensile and yield strength than Cu-Ag-Zr.

Watch out for

  • Overheating removes the age-hardened condition, so the strength values apply only to the stated temper.
  • The alloy is not resistant to ammonia, halide, cyanide, sulphide or seawater exposure.
  • Sources disagree on conductivity (43 to 80 %IACS depending on temper and product form). Use a mill certificate for design.
  • No atomic oxygen, outgassing or radiation data for CuCrZr were found in this run.

CuCrZr is a strong, conductive copper alloy for electrodes, connectors and high-heat-flux liners. It trades some conductivity for strength, and it loses that strength if overheated. No space-environment test data for it were found in this run.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Other names and standards

The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.

Other names and standards
SystemCodes
UNSC18150
EN2.1293
EN nameCuCr1Zr, CW106C
BSCC102
Trade nameElmedur X, A-Trode

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Density, CuCrZr (wrought, Aurubis)Value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150 (Aurubis PNA 372)temperature not stated in the table—
2Density, CuCrZr (Wieland K60)Value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCr1Zr (K60)temperature room temperature (reference values)—
3Density, Desktop Metal heat-treated partValue printed in a manufacturer material data sheet, for a processed part rather than wrought productform part from Desktop Metal Production System P-1, heat treated (standard), room temperature testedmethod in source ASTM B311The sheet prints the value as 8.75 with a tolerance of 0.06 g/cc; the relative density is 98.4 %.
4Density, CuCr1Zr (thyssenkrupp reference data)Reference value printed in a material data sheet for long productsalloy CW106C (CuCr1Zr)temperature 20 °C—
5Melting point, CuCrZr (Aurubis)Single value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150—
6Melting range, CuCr1Zr (Wieland K60)Range printed in the heat treatment table of a manufacturer datasheetalloy CuCr1Zr (K60)—
7Solidus to liquidus, C18150 (Fisk Alloy)Solidus and liquidus printed on a supplier product pagealloy C18150unit in source °F—
8Specific heat, CuCrZr (Aurubis)Value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150temperature 20 °C—
9Specific heat, CuCrZr (Luvata)Value printed in a supplier leaflet under physical material propertiesalloy CuCrZr electrodes (A-Trode)temperature not stated—
10Specific heat, CuCr1Zr (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)Reference value printed in a manufacturer datasheetalloy CuCr1Zr, solution annealed and agedtemperature room temperature (reference values)—
11Specific heat, CW106C (thyssenkrupp reference data)Reference value printed in a material data sheet for long productsalloy CW106C (CuCr1Zr)temperature not stated—
12Modulus of elasticity, CuCrZr (Aurubis)Value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150temperature not stated in the table—
13Modulus of elasticity, CuCr1Zr (Wieland K60)Value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCr1Zr (K60)temperature room temperature (reference values)—
14Modulus of elasticity, CuCr1Zr (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)Reference value printed in a manufacturer datasheetalloy CuCr1Zr, solution annealed and agedunit in source kN/mm²—
15Young's modulus, CW106C (thyssenkrupp reference data)Range printed in a material data sheet for long productsalloy CW106C (CuCr1Zr)—
16Modulus of torsion, CuCr1Zr (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)Reference value printed in a manufacturer datasheetalloy CuCr1Zr, solution annealed and agedunit in source kN/mm²—
17Thermal conductivity, CuCrZr (Aurubis)Value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150temper soft condition (the table note says the specified conductivity applies to the soft condition only)—
18Thermal conductivity, CuCrZr (Luvata)Value printed in a supplier leaflet under physical material propertiesalloy CuCrZr electrodes (A-Trode)temperature 20 °Cunit in source W/m.K—
19Thermal conductivity, CuCr1Zr (Wieland K60)Value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCr1Zr (K60)temperature room temperature (reference values, printed as greater than 320)—
20Thermal conductivity, CW106C heat-treated (thyssenkrupp reference data)Range printed in a material data sheet for long productsalloy CW106C (CuCr1Zr)temper heat-treated (solution annealed condition is 170 W/(m·K) per footnote b)—
21Coefficient of thermal expansion, CuCrZr (Aurubis)Value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150temperature 20-300 °C—
22Coefficient of thermal expansion, CuCr1Zr (Wieland K60)Value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCr1Zr (K60)temperature 0-300 °C—
23Coefficient of thermal expansion, CuCr1Zr (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)Reference value printed in a manufacturer datasheetalloy CuCr1Zr, solution annealed and agedtemperature 0-320 °C (273-593 K)unit in source 10-6/K—
24Coefficient of thermal expansion, A-Trode (Luvata)Value printed in a supplier leaflet under physical material propertiesalloy CuCrZr electrodes (A-Trode)temperature 20-300 °Cunit in source 10-6 m/mK—
25Electrical conductivity, CuCrZr minimum (Aurubis)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150equivalent at least 80 %IACStemper soft condition only (table note)—
26Electrical conductivity, CuCr1Zr minimum (Wieland K60)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCr1Zr (K60)equivalent at least 74 %IACStemperature room temperature (reference values)—
27Electrical conductivity, CuCr1Zr range (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)—alloy CuCr1Zr, solution annealed and agedtemperature 20 °C (293 K)equivalent minimum 75 %IACS—
28Electrical conductivity, CW106C heat-treated maximum (thyssenkrupp reference data)Maximum value printed in a material data sheet for long productsalloy CW106C (CuCr1Zr)temper heat-treated (footnote a gives 20 MS/m for the solution annealed condition)—
29Electrical conductivity minimum, A-Trode electrodes (Luvata)Minimum value printed in a supplier leaflet under physical propertiesalloy CuCrZr electrodes (A-Trode)—
30Electrical conductivity, C18150 annealed (Fisk Alloy)—alloy C18150temper annealedtemperature 68 °F—
31Electrical conductivity, heat-treated part (Desktop Metal)Value printed in a manufacturer material data sheet, for a processed part rather than wrought productform part from Desktop Metal Production System P-1, heat treated (standard)method in source ASTM E1004The sheet prints 87 with a tolerance of 2 %IACS.
32Tensile strength R480 (Aurubis)Range printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150temper R480—
33Tensile strength R540 (Aurubis)Range printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150temper R540—
34Tensile strength, solution annealed and aged, diameter 21-50 mm (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer datasheet (reference values)alloy CuCr1Zr, solution annealed and agedcross section diameter 21-50 mmunit in source N/mm²—
35Tensile strength, rods diameter over 30 to 50 mm, temper R430 (Wieland K60)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer datasheet (table of EN 12163 mechanical values)alloy CuCr1Zr (K60)temper R430form round and polygonal rod, EN 12163—
36Tensile strength, rods diameter 30-50 mm, temper R430 (thyssenkrupp)—alloy CW106C (CuCr1Zr)temper R430form rod, bar, EN 12163—
37Tensile strength, wire pretempered AT TF00 (Fisk Alloy)—alloy C18150temper AT TF00form round wire, pretemperedunit in source ksi—
38Tensile strength, electrodes (Luvata A-Trode)—alloy CuCrZr electrodes (A-Trode)form electrodes, conventional CuCrZr grain structureunit in source N/mm2—
39Tensile strength, heat-treated part (Desktop Metal)Value printed in a manufacturer material data sheet, for a processed part rather than wrought productform part from Desktop Metal Production System P-1, heat treated (standard), room temperaturemethod in source ASTM E8The sheet prints 345 with a tolerance of 8 MPa.
40Yield strength R480 (Aurubis)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150temper R480—
41Yield strength R540 (Aurubis)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150temper R540—
42Yield strength, solution annealed and aged, diameter 21-50 mm (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer datasheet (reference values)alloy CuCr1Zr, solution annealed and agedcross section diameter 21-50 mmunit in source N/mm²—
43Yield strength, rods diameter over 30 to 50 mm, temper R430 (Wieland K60)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer datasheet (table of EN 12163 mechanical values)alloy CuCr1Zr (K60)temper R430form round and polygonal rod, EN 12163—
44Yield strength, electrodes (Luvata A-Trode)—alloy CuCrZr electrodes (A-Trode)form electrodesmeasure 0.2% offsetunit in source N/mm2—
45Yield strength, heat-treated part (Desktop Metal)Value printed in a manufacturer material data sheet, for a processed part rather than wrought productform part from Desktop Metal Production System P-1, heat treated (standard), room temperaturemethod in source ASTM E8The sheet prints 233 with a tolerance of 7 MPa.
46Elongation R480 (Aurubis)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150temper R480gauge A50—
47Elongation R540 (Aurubis)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer material datasheetalloy CuCrZr, UNS C18150temper R540gauge A50—
48Elongation, rods diameter over 30 to 50 mm, temper R430 (Wieland K60)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer datasheet (table of EN 12163 mechanical values)alloy CuCr1Zr (K60)temper R430gauge A—
49Elongation, solution annealed and aged, diameter 21-50 mm (Wieland Duro Elmedur X)Minimum value printed in a manufacturer datasheet (reference values)alloy CuCr1Zr, solution annealed and agedcross section diameter 21-50 mmgauge L = 5 D—
50Elongation, heat-treated part (Desktop Metal)Value printed in a manufacturer material data sheet, for a processed part rather than wrought productform part from Desktop Metal Production System P-1, heat treated (standard), room temperaturemethod in source ASTM E8The sheet prints 28 with a tolerance of 4 %.
51Softening temperature, CuCrZr minimum (Luvata A-Trode)Minimum value printed in a supplier leaflet (custom property name, not in the canonical list)alloy CuCrZr electrodes (A-Trode)—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
Natural and industrial atmospheres, maritime air, drinking and service water, non-oxidising acids, alkaline solutions and neutral saline solutions low CuCrZr is resistant to these, per the Aurubis sheet.1
Ammonia, halide, cyanide and hydrogen sulphide solutions and atmospheres, oxidising acids, and sea water especially at high flow rates severe CuCrZr is not resistant to these, per the Aurubis sheet.2
High-copper alloys in general (Wieland K60 statement, not a CuCrZr test) low Good corrosion resistance, practically insensitive to stress corrosion cracking.3
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 Natural and industrial atmospheres, maritime air, drinking and service water, non-oxidising acids, alkaline solutions and neutral saline solutions Aurubis lists these as environments the alloy resists. The sheet prints no corrosion rate, so no rate is recorded. basis manufacturer statement, no rate printed
2 Ammonia, halide, cyanide and hydrogen sulphide solutions and atmospheres, oxidising acids, and sea water especially at high flow rates Aurubis lists these as environments the alloy does not resist. No rate or test is printed; the rating is a qualitative label for 'not resistant'. basis manufacturer statement, no rate printed
3 High-copper alloys in general (Wieland K60 statement, not a CuCrZr test) Wieland says pure copper and high-copper alloys generally show good corrosion resistance because of their inert character and are practically insensitive to stress corrosion cracking. This is a statement for the alloy group, not a measured CuCrZr result. basis group statement by the manufacturer

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

The wrought alloy has no SDS in this run. The one SDS read covers a copper powder family, and it flags chromium fume and fine dust during heat or grinding.

Welding and grinding
Welding, burning, grinding or polishing can release hexavalent chromium and metal fume. Use fume extraction and dust control.
Powder form
Fine powder can ignite spontaneously and form combustible dust-air mixtures. Keep it away from ignition sources.

If it fails

The failure routes in the sources are overheating, cyclic heating in a liner, and attack by some chemicals.

Overheating
The softening temperature is at least 500 °C. Above that the age-hardened strength is lost, and soft annealing is at 600-800 °C.
Cyclic heating
NASA describes liners as failing by creep and thermal ratcheting, which bows the cooling channel into the chamber. No CuCrZr life data were found.
Chemicals
The alloy is not resistant to ammonia, halide, cyanide, sulphide or seawater exposure, especially at high flow.

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Loss of age-hardened strength on overheatingmoderate severityHeating near 500 °C or above, soft annealing at 600-800 °C, or the heat of welding in the joint zoneLuvata gives a softening temperature of at least 500 °C. Wieland gives a soft annealing range of 600-800 °C for 1-3 h, and notes that high temperatures alter the age hardened condition in welded joints. The strength values for the hardened tempers no longer apply.
Thermal ratcheting and creep in a regeneratively cooled linerhigh severityRepeated heating and cooling of a combustion chamber liner with cooling channels on its back sideNASA describes liners as undergoing creep and thermal ratcheting, which bows the cooling channel into the chamber and leads to eventual failure. This is a general description of liner alloys in a Cu-Cr-Nb-Zr report, not a test on CuCrZr, and no CuCrZr life data were found.
Attack by ammonia, halide, cyanide and sulphide environmentsmoderate severityExposure to ammonia, halide, cyanide or hydrogen sulphide solutions or atmospheres, oxidising acids, or seawater, especially at high flow ratesAurubis states that CuCrZr is not resistant to these. The sheet gives no rate, so the severity is a qualitative label.

Side effects on surrounding parts

Side effects on surrounding parts
AffectsEffect
Mass of a liner, electrode or harnessAt 8.94 g/cm3 the alloy is dense, so a part made from it adds mass compared with a lightweight structure.

Handling and storage

  • Specify the temper. Aurubis gives R480 (480-560 MPa tensile) and R540 (540-660 MPa), and states that the specified conductivity applies to the soft condition only. Electrical conductivity falls with cold deformation and small grain size, per the same sheet.
  • Anneal and age on the supplier's schedule. Wieland gives soft annealing at 600-800 °C for 1-3 h and hot working at 850-1020 °C. Fisk gives an annealing range of 1800-1850 °F.
  • Fisk gives an annealing range of 1800-1850 °F for C18150 and a solidus of 1750 °F.
  • Aurubis rates gas shielded arc welding as excellent and resistance welding as fair, and rates machinability as fair. Wieland rates resistance welding as fair and states that high temperatures alter the age hardened condition.

Mitigations

  • Choose the temper from the datasheet range and keep joints away from overheating, since the hardened strength is lost once the alloy is annealed.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Copper (mine production, 2025 estimate)

Copper is in the USGS critical minerals list, and recycling provided about 30 % of U.S. supply in 2025

Top producers (2025)
Chile 23%, Congo (Kinshasa) 13.9%, Peru 11.7%, China 7.8%
Critical mineral lists
US: listed
Recycling
USGS: old scrap provided an estimated 160,000 tons of copper in 2025, and copper recovered from scrap contributed about 30 % of U.S. copper supply.
Substitutes
USGS: aluminum substitutes for copper in electrical equipment and power cable.

Copper (refinery production, 2025 estimate)

Top producers (2025)
China 48.3%

Chromium (mine production, 2025 estimate)

World chromium resources are greater than 12 billion tons of shipping-grade chromite, heavily concentrated in Kazakhstan and southern Africa (USGS)

Top producers (2025)
South Africa 45.1%, Turkey 17.6%, Kazakhstan 13.7%, India 5.9%