The technical choice between C11000 (ETP) copper and C19400 (High-Strength Iron-Bearing Copper) depends on the mechanical stress of the final component. If the part is a simple high-current busbar, C11000 copper is the logical choice for its 101% IACS min conductivity. However, for electronic lead frames and precision stamped connectors, C19400 is superior because it provides a tensile strength of up to 550 MPa while maintaining a respectable conductivity of 65% IACS. C11000 is often too soft to survive the high-speed stamping and thermal cycling required for semiconductor packaging. You can evaluate our available high-precision strip stock on the C11000 strip.
Why is C19400 preferred over C11000 in high-density connectors?
In the semiconductor industry, lead frames must maintain structural rigidity at extremely thin gauges (often 0.1mm to 0.25mm). c11000 material is commercially pure, which you can verify in our chemical composition of C11000 alloy Because it lacks reinforcing alloys, it is prone to bending or "lead sweep" during the plastic molding process. C19400 contains approximately 2.1% to 2.6% iron, which forms fine precipitates in the copper matrix. These precipitates significantly increase the material's yield strength and softening temperature.
While C19400 has higher strength, it is not is C110 pure copper. For applications where only current transmission matters and mechanical load is low, the 35% loss in conductivity when switching from C11000 to C19400 is an unnecessary technical sacrifice.
C11000 vs. C19400 Mechanical Strength Thresholds
| Property | C11000 (Hard H04) | C19400 (Extra Hard) | Engineering Impact |
| Tensile Strength | 290 to 360 MPa | 520 to 600 MPa | Rigidity in thin gauges |
| Yield Strength | 250 to 320 MPa | 450 to 550 MPa | Resistance to deformation |
| Hardness (Vickers) | 95 to 110 HV | 140 to 170 HV | Stamping precision |
| Softening Temp | 200 degrees Celsius | 450 degrees Celsius | Heat resistance during assembly |
How does the conductivity-to-strength ratio impact thermal management?
In power electronics, heat dissipation is as important as electrical flow. C11000 copper has a thermal conductivity of 388 W/m·K, making it the benchmark for heatsinks. C19400 drops to approximately 260 W/m·K. If your component is a large power heat spreader, sticking with an electrolytic grade is usually the best ROI.
However, if your design requires complex 90-degree bends in a hard temper, you must evaluate the C110 copper is bendable performance. C19400 has a higher "bend-to-thickness" (R/t) ratio in its hard tempers compared to C11000, meaning it can achieve tighter bends without surface orange-peeling or cracking.
Electrical and Thermal Trade-offs
| Metric | C11000 (ETP Copper) | C19400 (Iron-Copper) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 101% IACS min | 65% IACS min |
| Thermal Conductivity | 388 W/m·K | 260 W/m·K |
| Resistivity | 0.0171 ohm·mm²/m | 0.0265 ohm·mm²/m |
| IACS Standard | C11000 vs C10100 | High Strength Alloy |
Cost vs. Yield in High-Speed Stamping
From a B2B procurement standpoint, c11000 copper is the baseline for price. C19400 carries a premium because it is a specialty alloy produced in smaller, high-precision batches. However, for a manufacturer of electronic terminals, C19400 often results in a lower total cost because it allows for:
Thinner Gauges: Higher strength allows you to reduce material volume without losing rigidity.
Higher Yields: The material is more stable during stamping, leading to fewer dimensional rejects.
Better Solderability: C19400 retains its flat shape better during the thermal stress of reflow soldering.
FAQ: C11000 and C19400
1. Is C19400 as corrosion resistant as C11000?
Yes. In most atmospheric and industrial environments, the addition of iron does not significantly degrade the natural corrosion resistance of the copper matrix.
2. Can C11000 be used for high-frequency lead frames?
Only if the lead frame is large and the mechanical requirements are minimal. For modern, high-density IC packaging, t2 copper lacks the necessary strength to prevent lead deformation.
3. Does C19400 contain lead or restricted substances?
No. C19400 is a high-purity alloy of copper, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. It is fully RoHS and REACH compliant for electronic global export.
4. What is the equivalent of C19400 in international standards?
It is often referred to as HSM Copper (High Strength Modified) or by the brand name KFC in Asian markets. In Europe, it is classified as CuFe2P (CW107C).
5. How do I verify the temper for thin-gauge strips?
For strips below 0.5mm, tensile strength and Vickers hardness are the only reliable measures. A c11000 material data sheet will show a much wider drop in hardness after heat exposure than a C19400 sheet.
6. Can your factory supply pre-slitted strips in both grades?
Yes. We maintain large inventories of C11000 for standard power applications and C19400 for precision electronics. We provide precision slitting to tolerances of +/- 0.05mm for all electronic assembly lines.
Product Specifications & Range
| Product Category | Common Grades (Alloys) | Size Range (Dimensions) | Standards |
| Copper Rods | C11000, C12200, C10200, C14500 | Diameter: 3mm – 400mm<br>Shape: Round, Hexagonal, Square | ASTM B187, EN 12163 |
| Copper Tubes | C11000, C12200 (DHP), C10200 (OF), C27200 | OD: 2mm – 219mm<br>Wall Thickness: 0.2mm – 20mm | ASTM B280, EN 12735 |
| Copper Plates | C11000 (ETP), C10200, C12200 | Thickness: 0.1mm – 150mm<br>Width: Up to 2500mm | ASTM B152, DIN 1751 |
| Copper Wires | C11000, C10200, Brass Wire | Diameter: 0.05mm – 10.0mm<br>Form: Spool or Coil | ASTM B3, EN 13602 |
| Copper Strips | C11000, C12200, C26800 (Brass) | Thickness: 0.05mm – 3.0mm<br>Width: 5mm – 610mm | ASTM B19, EN 1652 |
Customization Note:
Custom Dimensions: We provide precision cutting and slitting services to meet your specific project requirements.
Tempers Available: Soft (O), Half-Hard (H02), Full Hard (H04), and Spring Hard (H08).
Surface Finish: Bright annealing, Polished, or Plated (Tin, Silver, Nickel) upon request.
Industrial-Grade Export Packaging
Maximum protection against oxidation, moisture, and transit damage.
1. Anti-Oxidation Protection
VCI Paper & Moisture-Proof Film: Every order is vacuum-sealed or wrapped in anti-corrosion materials to ensure the copper remains bright and tarnish-free during sea freight.
2. Reinforced Structural Support
Seaworthy Wooden Crates: We use reinforced, fumigation-free wooden cases (ISPM-15) and steel strapping for rods, tubes, and heavy plates to prevent bending or surface scratches.
3. Secure Handling & Loading
Forklift-Ready Pallets: All materials are secured on standardized export pallets for easy unloading and maximum stability in containers.
4. Clear Identification
Professional Labeling: Each package includes detailed labels with heat numbers, specifications, and net weight for efficient inventory management.
Advanced Manufacturing & Quality Control
1. Core Production Equipment
Up-casting & Continuous Casting Lines: Ensures high-purity oxygen-free copper rods and wires with uniform grain structure.
High-Precision Cold/Hot Rolling Mills: Automated thickness control for copper plates and strips with tolerances within ±0.01mm.
Large-Scale Extrusion & Drawing Machines: Capable of producing seamless copper tubes and rods in diverse diameters and shapes.
Atmospheric Controlled Annealing Furnaces: Bright annealing process to achieve specific tempers (Soft, Half-hard, Hard) without surface oxidation.
2. In-House Testing Center
Direct-Reading Spectrometers: Instant chemical composition analysis to guarantee Cu purity and precise alloying (Brass, Bronze, etc.).
Universal Tensile Testers: Verifying mechanical properties including tensile strength, elongation, and yield strength.
Eddy Current & Ultrasonic Testing: 100% non-destructive inspection for tubes and rods to detect internal cracks or flaws.
Conductivity & Hardness Testers: Ensuring electrical conductivity (IACS) and Vickers/Rockwell hardness meet international standards (ASTM, EN, DIN).
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