Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr | C18150 | C18200 | CW106C)
Our Products
Descriptions
Navkar Metal Syndicate supplies premium Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr), a high-performance alloy combining exceptional electrical conductivity with superior mechanical strength and thermal stability. Designed for demanding industrial applications, CuCrZr delivers reliable performance where standard copper grades soften or lose strength under high-temperature or cyclic loading conditions.
The alloy is strengthened through controlled addition of Chromium (Cr) and Zirconium (Zr) followed by precipitation hardening. This results in a material that retains over 80–90% IACS conductivity even after heat exposure, while offering high tensile and yield strength. Typical uses include resistance welding electrodes, high-current connectors, switchgear components, mould inserts, spot welding tips, and heat sink components.
Every CuCrZr product from Navkar Metal Syndicate is produced to international standards such as UNS C18150, C18200, EN CW106C and supplied with full Mill Test Certificates (MTCs), traceable heat numbers, and export-grade packing. Our materials ensure dependable service life, consistent performance, and reduced maintenance for industrial and electrical systems worldwide.
Chemical Composition
Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr) alloys combine controlled additions of chromium and zirconium to copper, providing excellent strength retention at elevated temperatures while maintaining high electrical and thermal conductivity. These alloys are precipitation-hardened to achieve optimum mechanical and physical properties.
| Element | C18150 | C18200 | CW106C (EN CuCr1Zr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | Balance | Balance | Balance |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.6 – 1.2% | 0.6 – 1.2% | 0.6 – 1.2% |
| Zirconium (Zr) | 0.03 – 0.12% | 0.03 – 0.12% | 0.03 – 0.12% |
| Nickel (Ni) + Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.4% | ≤ 0.4% | ≤ 0.4% |
| Other Elements (each) | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.05% |
| Total Impurities | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.10% |
Note: Chemical limits may vary slightly depending on manufacturing standard or form (rod, plate, electrode). All grades are precipitation hardenable and offer similar performance in conductivity and strength retention.
Mechanical, Physical & Fabrication Properties
Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr) alloys, such as C18150, C18200, and CW106C, are precipitation-hardened materials offering high strength, excellent wear resistance, and superior electrical and thermal conductivity. These properties make them ideal for applications involving high thermal and mechanical loading, such as spot welding electrodes, electrical connectors, and resistance welding arms.
| Property | Unit | C18150 | C18200 | CW106C (CuCr1Zr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (UTS) | MPa | 450 – 500 | 410 – 480 | 440 – 520 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Proof) | MPa | 350 – 420 | 320 – 400 | 350 – 450 |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | % | 10 – 20 | 15 – 25 | 10 – 20 |
| Hardness | HB | 115 – 150 | 100 – 140 | 120 – 150 |
| Electrical Conductivity | % IACS | 80 – 90 | 80 – 90 | 75 – 90 |
| Thermal Conductivity | W/m·K | 320 – 340 | 320 – 340 | 310 – 340 |
| Density | g/cm³ | 8.89 | 8.90 | 8.90 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | µm/m·°C | 17.0 | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | GPa | 125 | 125 | 125 |
Fabrication Properties
| Process | Response / Suitability |
|---|---|
| Cold Working | Excellent – suitable for drawing, forming, and machining after heat treatment. |
| Hot Working Temperature Range | 750 – 950 °C (optimum forming range: 800 – 850 °C) |
| Annealing Temperature | 500 – 600 °C (air cool) |
| Age Hardening / Precipitation Hardening | 480 – 520 °C for 1–3 hours (air cool) – develops full mechanical strength. |
| Machinability | Good – similar to tough pitch copper with age-hardened conditions improving chip formation. |
| Weldability | Good – suitable for resistance, spot, and TIG welding; not recommended for oxyacetylene. |
Note: Mechanical and physical properties vary depending on product form, temper condition, and specific heat treatment cycle.
Applications
Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr) alloys such as C18150, C18200, and CW106C are used in demanding applications where a balance of high strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability is critical. These alloys retain mechanical integrity even at elevated temperatures, making them the preferred choice across electrical, thermal, and mechanical engineering sectors.
- Resistance welding electrodes, tips, holders, and arms (spot, projection, and seam welding)
- Electrical connectors, bus bars, and contact assemblies requiring high conductivity and durability
- Heat sinks, thermal conductors, and high-current circuit components
- Injection moulding cores, inserts, and cavities for improved heat dissipation
- Die-casting moulds, cooling inserts, and continuous casting wheels
- Switchgear, relays, and high-performance electrical terminals
- Plasma and arc welding torch components, electrodes, and nozzles
- Automotive and aerospace tooling requiring wear resistance and dimensional stability
- High-speed forging and forming dies used in production tooling
- Industrial machinery requiring corrosion-resistant conductive components
Key advantages: high strength at elevated temperatures, superior electrical and thermal conductivity, outstanding wear resistance, and stable microstructure after heat cycling — all of which make CuCrZr alloys indispensable in electrical, automotive, aerospace, and tooling industries.
Standards & International Equivalents:
Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr) is standardized globally under several material designations across ASTM, EN, DIN, and ISO systems. Each grade — C18150, C18200, and CW106C — conforms to strict chemical and mechanical specifications suitable for high-conductivity and high-temperature applications.
| Standard / Specification | Designation | Alloy / Grade | Description / Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNS | C18150 / C18200 | CuCrZr | U.S. Unified Numbering System designation for Chromium Zirconium Copper |
| ASTM / ASME | B441, B606, B624, B150 / SB150 | C18150 / C18200 | Standard for rods, bars, forgings, electrodes, and resistance welding components |
| EN / European | CW106C | CuCr1Zr | EN 12163, EN 12165, EN 12420 — rods, plates, and sections |
| DIN (Germany) | 2.1293 / 2.1295 | CuCr1Zr | High strength copper alloy for conductive applications |
| ISO | CuCr1Zr | – | International standard designation for copper-chromium-zirconium alloys |
| BS (British Standard) | BS 2871 / CN104 | CuCrZr | High conductivity copper alloy for mechanical and electrical service |
| JIS (Japan) | C1820 / C1815 | CuCrZr | Equivalent Japanese Industrial Standard for high-strength conductive copper |
Note: These standards ensure material traceability and performance consistency across critical industries such as automotive, aerospace, power generation, and resistance welding.
Common Names & International Identifiers
Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr) is known worldwide under several trade and standard names. These identifiers are used across engineering, aerospace, welding, and electrical industries to reference the same high-strength, high-conductivity copper alloy used in demanding service conditions.
| Common / Trade Name | UNS Designation | EN / DIN Equivalent | CDA Alloy Number | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium Zirconium Copper | C18150 | CW106C / CuCr1Zr | 18150 | Resistance welding electrodes, high-performance electrical contacts |
| Chromium Copper | C18200 | CuCr / CuCr1 | 18200 | Heavy-duty conductor arms, switchgear, and power connectors |
| CuCrZr Alloy | — | CuCr1Zr / CW106C | — | General designation for copper-chromium-zirconium compositions |
| CuCr1Zr | — | EN 12163 / DIN 2.1293 | — | European standard term for CuCrZr high-conductivity alloys |
| RWMA Class 2 Copper | C18150 / C18200 | — | — | Resistance welding electrodes and arms under RWMA Class 2 specification |
Also referred to as: CuCrZr Alloy, CuCr1Zr Copper, RWMA Class 2 Copper, High Conductivity Chromium Copper, Precipitation-Hardened Copper Alloy.
Common Product Forms & Dimensions
Navkar Metal Syndicate supplies Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr) in a wide range of standard and custom-engineered forms. Each product is available in multiple tempers and finish options — precision machined, forged, drawn, or rolled — to meet the mechanical and dimensional requirements of electrical, thermal, and tooling applications.
| Form | Typical Size Ranges (Metric) | Typical Size Ranges (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Round Bar / Rod | Diameter: 3 mm to over 800 mm | 1/8" to over 31" |
| Square Bar | Across Flats (A/F): 4 mm to 100 mm | ~5/32" to 4" |
| Hexagonal Bar | Across Flats (A/F): 2 mm to 100 mm | ~1/16" to 4" |
| Flat Bar | Thickness: 2 mm to 100 mm; Width: 10 mm to 500 mm | Thickness: 1/16" to 4"; Width: 3/8" to 20" |
| Rectangular Bar | Examples: 33 × 30 mm up to 295 × 1066 mm | Custom rectangular dimensions available |
| Hollow Bar | OD 32 mm × ID 16 mm up to OD 250 mm × ID 200 mm | OD 1.25" × ID 0.63" up to OD 10" × ID 8" |
| Plate | Thickness: 3 mm to 254 mm+ | Thickness: 1/8" to 10"+ |
Forms available: rods, bars, flats, plates, electrodes, forged sections, machined components, and custom CNC profiles.
All materials supplied with full traceability, Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1), and export-grade packaging.
Tell Us What You Need
30+
Years of ExperienceTrusted Worldwide | Supplying Copper & Alloys to 1000+ clients
We usually respond within 24 working hours.