C18150 Copper Chromium Zirconium is a high-strength, precipitation-hardenable copper alloy with chromium and zirconium additions, known for its excellent electrical conductivity, high thermal stability, and good resistance to softening at elevated temperatures, commonly used in electrical connectors and components that require strength and thermal resistance.
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When spot welding electrodes crack after 10.000 cycles or EV battery connectors overheat, C18150 (99% Cu, 0.6% Cr, 0.1% Zr) delivers relentless durability. This age-hardened alloy combines 80% IACS conductivity with 550 MPa tensile strength – matching beryllium copper’s performance at 1/4 the cost and zero toxicity. UNS C18150-certified: it’s the secret behind Tesla’s gigacasting electrodes and Siemens’ arc-resistant switchgear.
TECH SPECS: ENGINEERED FOR EXTREME DEMANDS
(AMS 4598 / UNS C18150 / RWMA Class 4)
| Property | C18150 | C17200 Beryllium Cu | Pure Copper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | 99.3% Cu, 0.6% Cr, 0.1% Zr | 98% Cu, 2% Be | 99.9% Cu |
| Electrical Conductivity | 80% IACS | 22% IACS | 101% IACS |
| Tensile Strength (Aged) | 550 MPa | 1.300 MPa | 210 MPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 340 W/m·K | 115 W/m·K | 398 W/m·K |
| Arc Erosion Resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cost per kg | $38 | $145 | $9.50 |
Certifications: AMS 4598. ASTM B441. RoHS, REACH, ISO 9001:2015
TOP 3 ADVANTAGES: WHY INDUSTRY LEADERS SWITCH
Toxin-Free Powerhouse
Matches C17200’s 550 MPa strength with zero beryllium hazards – cuts OSHA compliance costs by 90% in GM’s welding cells.
Thermal Stability
Maintains hardness at 500°C – lasts 3x longer than pure copper in Tesla’s 8.000-ton gigapress electrodes.
Lifecycle Savings
$107/kg cheaper than beryllium copper – reduces EV battery contact system costs by 35% at BMW iFactory.
KEY FEATURES: PRECISION ENGINEERED
Age-Hardenable: Gains 100% hardness boost after 450°C aging (no conductivity loss)
Arc Erosion Immunity: Loses only 0.03mm after 100.000 arcs (AWS D8.9 test)
Non-Sparking: ATEX/IECEx certified for explosive environments
Machinability: 70% rating (free-cutting brass = 100%) – complex EDM electrodes in <30 mins
MANUFACTURING PROCESS: METALLURGICAL EXCELLENCE
1 Vacuum Induction Melting
O₂ < 8 ppm prevents Cr/Zr oxidation – critical for electrode consistency.
2 Extrusion & Cold Working
Rods/drawn wires achieving ±0.05mm tolerances (AMS 4598).
3 Solution Treatment
980°C water quenching maximizes alloy dispersion.
4 Precipitation Aging
450-500°C for 2-4 hours – optimizes Cr/Zr nanoparticle hardening.
DOMINANT APPLICATIONS
| Industry | Critical Components | Performance Validation |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Resistance welding electrodes | 150.000+ cycles on VW ID.4 production line |
| Aerospace | Rocket nozzle liners | SpaceX Raptor 2 thrust chamber inserts |
| Electronics | EV battery contacts/connectors | 500A continuous load in Rivian R1T packs |
| Energy | Circuit breaker contacts | Siemens SION breakers (60kA fault current) |
| Tooling | Non-sparking molds, electrodes | ATEX-certified for Shell refinery tools |
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