C18200 Copper – Chromium Copper Alloy (RWMA Class 2)

C18200 Chromium Copper is a high-performance, heat-treatable alloy engineered to deliver a superior combination of strength, hardness, and electrical conductivity. This material is the preferred choice for demanding applications where pure copper cannot meet the mechanical requirements. Nifty Alloys LLC is a premier supplier of C18200 Copper, providing certified materials in forms such as rods, bars, and plates to industries across the UAE and worldwide. Our C18200 copper is ideal for manufacturing resistance welding electrodes, switchgear components, heavy-duty electrical contacts, and other components that demand high performance and reliability. 

What is C18200 Copper? 

C18200 Copper, often referred to as Chromium Copper or CuCr1, is a precipitation-hardening copper alloy. Its defining characteristic is the addition of a small amount of chromium (typically 0.6-1.2%), which significantly enhances its mechanical properties without a substantial loss in electrical and thermal conductivity. This makes the C18200 Copper alloy an exceptional material for applications requiring high strength and good conductivity. 

It is classified as an RWMA Class 2 copper alloy, a designation given by the Resistance Welder Manufacturers Alliance, indicating its suitability for resistance welding applications due to its excellent resistance to deformation at high temperatures. The material also conforms to international standards, most notably ASTM B441 / B441M, which specifies the requirements for chromium copper rod and bar. 

The alloy achieves its optimal properties through a two-stage heat treatment process: solution annealing followed by age hardening. This process creates fine chromium precipitates within the copper matrix, which obstruct dislocation movement and give the material its high strength and hardness. Despite this, the C18200 copper electrical conductivity remains high, typically around 80% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard).