Copper has outstanding electrical and heat transfer properties but is soft and ductile. However, additions can be made to enhance performance. The CHROMZIRC range is essentially copper chromium alloys with CHROMZIRC 328 also having a small addition of zirconium. They are heat treatable by precipitation hardening to provide significantly higher strength and hardness than pure copper whilst retaining approximately 80% of its electrical conductivity. Both alloys are normally supplied hardened for immediate use.
CHROMZIRC 3 & 328 are used widely in areas where high electrical and thermal conductivity are required combined with good mechanical properties. Uses include resistance welding electrodes, seam welding wheels, switchgear, circuit breakers, soldering iron tips, heat sinks, short circuit rings, MIG welding contact tubes and many other applications where copper would normally be the ideal choice for high conductivity but is just not strong enough.
| UTS N/mm² |
0.2% Proof Stress N/mm² |
Elongation % |
Hardness HB |
| 370-530 | 320-430 | 15-30 | 120-175 |
Availability ex-stock: Round Rod 6mm to 210mm diameter in metric and imperial sizes. Hexagon 18 mm to 160 mm A/F. Square and flat bar also stocked in a wide range of sizes.
