C18150 Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr, UNS C18150, equivalent to EN CW106C) is precipitation‑hardenable wrought copper‑chromium‑zirconium copper alloy. After solution‑treated plus aged‑hardened heat‑treatment, it achieves an optimal balance of high hardness, mechanical strength, excellent electrical‑thermal conductivity and superior high‑temperature softening‑resistance above 500 °C. Classified as RWMA Class 2, it is the preferred raw material for automated resistance‑welding electrodes, mold cooling inserts and high‑current conductive components for automotive, new‑energy and tool‑making industries.
Buyers frequently compare C18150 with C18200 chromium‑copper, C15000 zirconium‑copper and C17510 beryllium‑nickel copper for resistance‑welding and electrical projects.
For systematic side‑by‑side comparison and practical buyer guidance on RWMA‑compliant resistance‑welding electrode copper grades, please read our dedicated article: RWMA Class Welding Electrode Copper Alloys Selection Guide. Visit our chromium‑zirconium‑copper category page to explore full specifications, stock options and custom manufacturing details for chromium‑zirconium‑copper
What Is C18150 Chromium Zirconium Copper?
C18150 (also known as CuCrZr, CuCr1Zr, CW106C, UNS C18150) is a precipitation-hardened copper-chromium-zirconium alloy containing approximately 0.5–1.5% chromium and 0.03–0.3% zirconium, with the balance copper.
The addition of chromium and zirconium, combined with controlled heat treatment, increases strength and resistance to thermal softening while retaining relatively high electrical and thermal conductivity.This makes C18150 particularly suitable for components that repeatedly carry high welding currents and experience localized heating, pressure, friction, or mechanical loading.
For resistance welding applications, C18150 is commonly used for cap-style electrodes, welding wheels, tips, electrode holders, and related components.
The key performance advantage: C18150 delivers an exceptional combination of high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, and high-temperature strength retention. The chromium addition increases creep resistance compared to C18200, making it the preferred choice for automated high-production resistance welding.
Why zirconium matters: The zirconium content helps prevent electrode sticking during spot welding of galvanized steel - a critical advantage in automotive and appliance manufacturing.
Product Forms & Reference Specification
| Item | Reference Supply Parameter |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | C18150 Chromium Zirconium Copper, CuCrZr, UNS C18150, EN equivalent CW106C |
| Applicable Standards | ASTM B96, RWMA Class 2, SAE J461 / J463 |
| Available Product Forms | Round bar, square / flat bar, hex bar, plate, sheet, strip, wire, custom‑machined electrode blanks |
| Size Range | Bar diameter:6‑180 mm; Sheet:0.4‑6 mm; Plate:6‑50 mm |
| Supply Metallurgical Condition | Solution‑treated (soft state for customer further forming); Solution‑treated + fully aged‑hardened (standard delivery for welding‑electrode usage) |
| Surface Options | Pickled / descaled, machined surface |
| Cutting Service | Custom cut‑to‑size blanks, saw / water‑jet cutting per customer drawing |
Core Key Advantages
- Outstanding comprehensive performance after ageing: Softening temperature ≥500 °C, electrical conductivity 75‑85 %IACS, balanced hardness and tensile strength.
- RWMA Class 2 qualified: Excellent anti‑sticking and anti‑mushroom‑deformation performance, greatly extend electrode service‑life for high‑volume automated spot‑welding of galvanized automotive sheets.
- Good manufacturability: Supports hot‑working, cold forming, brazing and welding processes.
- Diversified semi‑finished stock: bar, plate, sheet, strip and custom‑machined electrode blanks; custom cut‑blank service reduces buyer's material waste.
- China‑direct factory supply: lab‑sample, pilot‑batch and large‑volume mass‑production support. Every heat lot supplied with heat‑number‑traceable Material Test Certificate(MTC).
Important note: For resistance‑welding‑electrode applications, fully solution‑treated plus aged‑hardened condition is required. Soft solution‑treated C18150 cannot reach target hardness and anti‑softening performance without subsequent ageing heat‑treatment.
C18150 vs Peer RWMA Electrode Copper Alloys Comparison
Decision‑making reference for welding‑engineers and procurement buyers, focusing on welding performance, heat‑resistance and procurement scenarios.
| Comparison Item | C18150 (CuCrZr) | C18200 Chromium‑Copper | C15000 Zirconium‑Copper | C17510 Beryllium‑Nickel Copper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWMA Class | Class 2 | Class 2 | Class 1 | Class 3 |
| Main Alloying | Cu‑Cr‑Zr | Cu‑Cr | Cu‑Zr | Cu‑Be‑Ni |
| Recommended Temper | Solution + aged‑hardened | Solution + aged‑hardened | Solution + aged‑hardened | Solution + aged‑hardened |
| Electrical Conductivity | 75‑82 % IACS | 78‑83 % IACS | 85‑90 % IACS | 45‑55 % IACS |
| Softening Temperature | ≥500 °C | ~475 °C | ~450 °C | ≥530 °C |
| Stand‑out Advantage | Best anti‑softening & anti‑sticking performance; long electrode service‑life for galvanized‑steel automated welding | Cost‑effective general‑purpose RWMA Class 2 material | Highest conductivity for non‑ferrous‑metal welding | Ultra‑high hardness for high‑resistance alloy welding |
| Typical Application Focus | Resistance welding electrodes | Welding electrodes, electrical parts | High-conductivity thermal/electrical parts | High-strength electrical connectors and components |
| Buyer Selection Focus | Balance of conductivity, strength and electrode life | High conductivity + Cr-Cu performance | Higher thermal conductivity | Higher strength with lower conductivity |
C18200 is a closely related chromium-copper alloy and is also widely used in resistance welding equipment, while C15000 is a zirconium-copper alloy for higher thermal conductivity but lower strength than C18150/C18200 in the cited application data. C17510 belongs to the copper-beryllium family and has a different alloying system and performance profile.
For buyers, the key question is not simply which alloy has the highest conductivity or strength, but which combination matches the electrode temperature, welding current, mechanical loading, wear, and required service life.
Buyer Quick Selection Tips
- High‑volume automated galvanized‑steel spot‑welding → choose C18150 as first‑choice.
- Cost‑sensitive intermittent carbon‑steel welding → choose C18200.
- Welding aluminum / magnesium non‑ferrous metals → choose C15000.
- Welding stainless‑steel high‑resistance alloy → choose C17510.
None of these grades are direct drop‑in interchangeable. Any substitution needs on‑site welding‑test validation.
Commercial and Delivery Terms
| Term Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Order Quantity | Lab‑sample small cut‑pieces negotiable; mass‑production MOQ negotiable |
| Trade Terms | EX‑W, FOB, CFR, CIF (Incoterms 2020) |
| Payment Terms | T/T:30% deposit, balance before shipment; Irrevocable L/C at sight for large‑volume contracts |
| Sample Service | Engineering‑evaluation cut‑samples available; buyer undertakes freight cost |
| Lead‑Time | Lab‑samples:12‑20 working‑days; bulk production:35‑50 working‑days after deposit received |
| Packaging | Anti‑rust protection, moisture‑proof packing, seaworthy export wooden pallet / wooden case |
| Shipping Ports | Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen and other major China ports |
| Documents | Heat‑number‑matched Material Test Certificate(MTC); PMI inspection reports can be provided on request |
About HSMetal - Trusted Supplier of C18150 Chromium‑Zirconium Copper
HSMetal is a specialized manufacturer of high‑performance precipitation‑hardened copper alloys. We focus on developing and producing C18150 (CuCrZr), C18100, C18200 and other premium chromium‑zirconium copper grades for 5G communication base‑stations, new‑energy power connectors, resistance‑welding electrodes and high‑current electrical components.
We strictly control vacuum melting, solid‑solution and aging‑hardening heat‑treatment processes. This guarantees stable high‑thermal‑electrical conductivity, high‑temperature softening resistance and consistent mechanical properties batch‑to‑batch. Every lot comes with complete mill test certificates covering chemical composition, hardness, conductivity and tensile‑strength test data for overseas customer qualification review.
We have rich project experience supporting clients across Southeast Asia, South Korea, Europe and North America. We support sample evaluation, pilot trial production and mass‑volume shipments, offering export‑compliant documents and custom packaging for international orders.
Beyond C18150 chromium‑zirconium copper, our product portfolio also includes Cu‑Ni‑Si strips, high‑purity oxygen‑free copper and various high‑frequency copper foils. We deliver consistent material quality, reasonable lead‑time and responsive technical support for your high‑current and high‑temperature component projects.
Our Factory
Automatic cold drawing line for copper alloy bars
Hot Rolling Mill For High Performance Alloy Plate Production Equipment
Seamless Pipe Production Line
Copper Strip Pay-Off Processing Line
Headstand Wire Drawing Machine
Aging Treatment Equipmen
Applicaations
- Resistance Welding: Spot welding electrodes, seam welding wheels, projection welding electrodes, electrode caps, electrode holders
- EDM: Electrical discharge machining electrodes, spark discharge electrodes
- Electrical Components: Motor commutator segments, switch contacts, contact tips
- Mold Materials: Continuous casting molds, mold inserts for non-ferrous metal casting
- Transportation: High-speed rail contact wires, messenger wires, sliding connections
- Automotive: Welding electrodes for automotive body assembly, agricultural machinery, ships
Not sure whether C18150, C15000, C18200, or C17150 is right for your welding application? Read the full resistance welding copper alloy selection guide first, then confirm your specification below.
Need C18150 Chromium Zirconium Copper for Your Resistance Welding, EDM, or Electrical Application?
Tell us your required form (rod, bar, wire, strip, plate), dimensions, quantity, temper (TH04 or TF00), and application. We will confirm availability, provide a quotation, and ship with full documentation.
Request a quote →
Or contact our technical team with your operating temperature, conductivity requirement, and fabrication process - we will recommend the right CuCrZr grade for your design.
Explore our other copper alloy products → C18200 Chromium Copper | C15000 Zirconium Copper | C17510 Beryllium Copper
Related Reading: Copper Alloy Selection Guide for Resistance Welding
Selecting welding electrode copper alloy requires balancing conductivity, hardness, creep‑resistance and production conditions. Read our full comparison article: C18150 vs C18200 vs C15000 vs C17510: Which Copper Alloy Is Right for Resistance Welding? to understand key differences, common substitution mistakes and practical procurement tips between RWMA Class 1 & Class 2 & Class 3 copper alloys.
FAQ
Q1: What is C18150 Chromium Zirconium Copper used for?
A: C18150 is used for resistance welding electrodes, seam welding wheels, projection welding electrodes, EDM electrodes, motor commutator segments, continuous casting molds, and high-speed rail contact wires. It is chosen when you need high strength, high conductivity, and high softening resistance in a copper alloy.
Q2: What is the chemical composition of C18150?
A: C18150 contains Cu balance, Cr 0.5–1.2%, Zr 0.03–0.3%, Fe ≤0.08%, Si ≤0.1%, with other elements totaling ≤0.2% .
Q3: What are the mechanical properties of C18150?
A: In heat-treated condition: Tensile strength 540–640 MPa, yield strength ≥430 MPa, elongation ≥8–15%, hardness 75–88 HRB.
Q4: What is the electrical conductivity of C18150?
A: C18150 delivers ≥75% IACS (≥43 MS/m) electrical conductivity.
Q5: What is the softening temperature of C18150?
A: C18150 maintains hardness above 500–550°C softening temperature - significantly higher than pure copper (200°C) or silver-bearing copper.
Q6: What is the difference between C18150 and C18200?
A: C18150 contains zirconium (0.03–0.3%) in addition to chromium, giving it better creep resistance and electrode sticking prevention than C18200. C18200 contains chromium only and offers slightly higher conductivity (80–85% IACS vs 75% IACS for C18150).
Q7: What is the difference between C18150 and C15000?
A: C18150 (CuCrZr) contains both chromium and zirconium, offering higher strength and better softening resistance. C15000 (CuZr) contains only zirconium, offering higher conductivity (≥85% IACS) for welding aluminum and other highly conductive materials.
Q8: What is the difference between C18150 and C17510?
A: C17510 (CuBe) is a beryllium copper alloy with higher hardness (95–103 HRB) for welding stainless steel and high-resistance alloys. C18150 offers higher conductivity (75% IACS vs 45–60% IACS) for welding steel and galvanized materials.
Q9: What is the machinability of C18150?
A: C18150 has a machinability rating of approximately 20–30% relative to free-machining brass. Carbide tooling is recommended with lower cutting speeds and effective coolant use.
Q10: What temper should I specify for C18150?
A: TH04 (cold worked + aged) offers higher strength for machining. TF00 (solution treated + aged) offers higher ductility for cold bending. For welding electrodes, specify fully heat-treated condition.
Q11: What standards cover C18150?
A: C18150 is covered by RWMA Class 2, UNS C18150, EN CW106C, DIN 2.1293, and GB TCr1-0.15.
Q12: What is the one-line rule for choosing C18150?
A: Choose C18150 Chromium Zirconium Copper when you need the best combination of high conductivity, high strength, and high-temperature stability for resistance welding electrodes and EDM applications. For higher conductivity, choose C15000. For lower cost, choose C18200. For maximum hardness, choose C17510.
Q13: What is the hardness of C18150?
A: C18150 hardness typically ranges from 75–88 HRB (Rockwell B) depending on temper and heat treatment condition. In the fully aged condition, hardness is generally ≥78 HRB, with some sources listing 75–83 HRB. Vickers hardness ranges from approximately 110–145 HV .
Q14: What is the thermal conductivity of C18150?
A: C18150 delivers a thermal conductivity of approximately 320–324 W/(m·K) at 20°C. This high thermal conductivity makes it ideal for heat sinks and resistance welding electrodes where heat dissipation is critical .
Q15: What is the machinability of C18150 copper?
A: C18150 has a machinability rating of approximately 20–30% relative to free-machining brass (100%). It is considered moderately difficult to machine. Carbide tooling is recommended over HSS, with lower cutting speeds, positive rake angles, and effective coolant use. Coated tools (TiN, diamond-like) improve tool life .
Q16: Where can I get the C18150 datasheet?
A: C18150 datasheets are available from bedra (rod and bar), Luvata (A-Trode welding products), and AZoM (thermal properties). These datasheets include chemical composition, physical properties, mechanical properties, and fabrication guidelines .
Q17: What are the properties of C18150 copper?
A: C18150 offers a unique combination of properties: Electrical conductivity ≥75–80% IACS, hardness 75–88 HRB, tensile strength 460–640 MPa, softening temperature ≥550°C, density 8.6–8.95 g/cm³. It maintains stable performance below 350°C .
Q18: Where can I find C18150 plate?
A: C18150 plate is available from Chinese suppliers on Alibaba and Made-in-China. Typical plate thickness ranges from 0.1 mm to 120 mm, with custom widths up to 500 mm. Suppliers include Shandong Huaxiang and Shandong Ruiye Metal Products .
Q19: What is UNS C18150?
A: UNS C18150 is the unified numbering system designation for Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr). It is the standard identifier for this alloy, which is also known as CuCr1Zr, CW106C, and GB TCr1-0.15 .
Q20: What is the price of copper chromium zirconium?
A: C18150 copper chromium zirconium pricing varies by form, quantity, and supplier, depending on order volume and specifications.
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