Copper CuCr1Zr / CW106C – Properties, applications and technical data
CuCr1Zr (CW106C) is a high-strength copper alloy that combines very good electrical and thermal conductivity with improved strength and wear resistance compared to pure copper.
The alloy is used where high current capacity and heat dissipation must be combined with mechanical strength and good dimensional stability – for example in welding applications, electric power and advanced industrial equipment.
Properties of CuCr1Zr
CuCr1Zr is alloyed with chromium and zirconium, which enables precipitation hardening and provides significantly higher strength than pure copper without significantly reducing conductivity.
The material exhibits good softening resistance at elevated temperatures, good wear resistance and high resistance to thermal fatigue.
Type: Precipitation hardenable copper alloy
Alloy: Cu-Cr-Zr (CuCr1Zr)
EN designation: CW106C
Structure: Copper-based alloy
Standards: EN 12163, EN 12165, EN 12420, EN 13601
Advantages
- High electrical and thermal conductivity
- Significantly higher strength than pure copper
- Good softening resistance at elevated temperatures
- Excellent resistance to thermal fatigue
- Good wear resistance and machinability
Limitations
- Lower conductivity than pure copper
- Not intended for highly corrosive chemical environments
- Requires proper heat treatment for optimal performance
Typical applications
Resistance welding
Electrodes, electrode holders and welding components with high demands on thermal conductivity and wear resistance.
Electric power & Current carrying components
Busbars, contacts and components where the combination of conductivity and strength is crucial.
Molding tools & Plastics industry
Inserts in tools where effective cooling and dimensional stability are required.
Railway & Transportation
Power transmission components and mechanically loaded copper parts.
Corrosion resistance
CuCr1Zr has good resistance to atmospheric corrosion and performs well in many industrial environments. However, the material is primarily optimized for electrical and mechanical performance rather than extreme chemical resistance.
Environments where CuCr1Zr performs well
- High current applications
- Environments with high thermal loads
- Industrial systems where cooling capacity is critical
- Welding equipment and contact components
Environments to avoid
- Strongly acidic or aggressive chemical environments
- Applications where maximum electrical conductivity is required (pure copper may be better)
Technical data (precipitation hardened condition)
| Yield strength (0.2%) |
~300–450 MPa |
| Tensile strength |
~450–600 MPa |
| Elongation at break |
~10–20% |
| Density |
~8.9 g/cm³ |
| Electrical conductivity |
~75–85% IACS |
| Thermal conductivity |
~320–340 W/m·K |
| Melting point |
~1080°C |
| Weldability |
Good - correct method and preheating may be required |
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