Chromium-zirconium copper is a typical precipitation-strengthened copper alloy, made by adding small amounts of chromium and zirconium to pure copper. It perfectly combines high strength, high hardness, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, wear resistance, and resistance to softening. This makes it an ideal material for manufacturing resistance welding electrodes, molds, and other components requiring high strength and high conductivity.
We offer a wide range of chromium-zirconium-copper products, including wires, bars, and plates. Each product is designed to meet specific performance requirements. Our product range includes:
Chromium-zirconium copper plate: a high-performance copper alloy that achieves the optimal balance between strength, electrical conductivity, and high-temperature resistance. Its superior properties are obtained through a special heat treatment process (solution treatment + age hardening).
Chromium-zirconium copper rods: These are rod-shaped profiles produced through horizontal continuous casting or extrusion processes. They retain all the core advantages of chromium-zirconium copper alloys: high strength, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and excellent resistance to high-temperature softening. The rod shape makes them ideal for manufacturing various cylindrical parts or parts requiring cutting from large blanks through machining methods such as turning, milling, and drilling.
C18150: Chromium: 0.5 - 1.0%, Zirconium: 0.05 - 0.25%, is a high-strength, high-conductivity precipitation-hardening copper alloy. By adding small amounts of chromium (Cr) and zirconium (Zr) and employing a meticulous "solution treatment + age hardening" process, it achieves an excellent balance between strength, conductivity, and heat resistance. It is as strong as steel and as conductive as pure copper, making it an indispensable key material in welding, mold making, and high-end electrical applications.
C18140: Chromium: 0.3 - 0.6, Zirconium: 0.15 - 0.25. By adjusting the chemical composition and heat treatment process, it sacrifices some strength in exchange for extremely high conductivity. While maintaining the inherent good heat resistance of chromium-zirconium copper, it raises the conductivity to a level close to that of pure copper, while its strength is far higher than that of pure copper.
This is the condition of the raw materials when purchased, facilitating machining.
Tensile Strength: 300 - 350 MPa
Elongation: ≥ 20%
Hardness: HRB 65 - 75 (or HV 100-130)
Characteristics: Low strength, good plasticity, very suitable for machining such as turning, milling, and drilling.
This is the final service state of the part after machining and aging heat treatment, with peak performance.
Tensile strength: 450 - 550 MPa
Elongation: 10% - 16%
Hardness: HRB 78 - 85 (or HV 150-180)
Features: Optimal combination of strength, hardness, and electrical conductivity, with excellent wear resistance.
Chromium-zirconium-copper alloys all possess the characteristics of being non-magnetic, having high thermal conductivity, and being resistant to high temperatures.
Resistance welding: Primarily used in the manufacture of key components for welding equipment.
Electrical and electrical engineering: Utilizing its high conductivity and high strength, it is used to manufacture demanding electrical components.
Mold making and metallurgy: Utilizing its excellent thermal conductivity, it is used to rapidly cool workpieces, improving production efficiency and quality.
Q: What is chromium-zirconium copper?
A: Chromium-zirconium copper is a high-performance copper alloy. Its excellent overall properties are achieved primarily through the addition of small amounts of chromium (Cr) and zirconium (Zr) elements, followed by heat treatment.
Q: What are the differences between chromium zirconium copper and beryllium copper? How should I choose?
A: When your application requires very high electrical/thermal conductivity, along with sufficient strength and resistance to softening, such as resistance welding electrodes and high-power switch contacts, chromium zirconium copper is the preferred choice.
When your application prioritizes strength and hardness, with conductivity being a secondary requirement, such as precision springs, high-stress mold inserts, and explosion-proof tools, beryllium copper is the preferred choice.
Q: Why does chromium-zirconium copper require heat treatment?
A: Heat treatment is a crucial process for unlocking the potential of chromium-zirconium copper. It typically includes:
Solution treatment: Heating to a high temperature allows the alloying elements to uniformly integrate into the copper matrix.
Quenching: Rapid cooling "locks" these elements within the matrix; the material is relatively soft at this stage.
Aging treatment: Holding at a lower temperature allows the alloying elements to precipitate as extremely fine particles. These particles significantly improve the material's strength and hardness while maintaining high electrical conductivity.
DECOPPER specializes in chromium zirconium copper plates and rods, offering superior performance in high-temperature applications and electrical conductivity. Our chromium zirconium copper products are ideal for industries such as electronics, aerospace, and electrical engineering, providing excellent strength, reliability, and resistance to wear and corrosion.
Interested in exploring our chromium-zirconium-copper products? Browse our product catalog or contact us to discuss your specific needs. Our team is ready to help you find the right alloy for your project.