C97®
A free-machining, heat-treated leaded nickel-copper (CuNiPb1P, C19160) for high-performance connectors, with one of the best thermal stress relaxation behaviours of any copper alloy, it holds contact force under combined high temperature and mechanical load.
Best-in-class stress relaxation
One of the best thermal stress relaxation resistances among copper alloys, keeps contact force at elevated temperature.
High strength & fatigue life
High mechanical strength and excellent fatigue resistance over repeated mating / unmating cycles.
Free-machining
Heat-treated leaded nickel-copper optimised for machining of contact components.
Be- & Cd-free alternative
A more eco-friendly alternative to beryllium- and cadmium-copper alloys.
Fully integrated supply
Cast to finished form in-house, full traceability.
Copper-Nickel Alloys.
C97® (CuNiPb1P, UNS C19160, EN CW111C) is a free-machining, heat-treated leaded nickel-copper alloy combining high mechanical strength with good electrical conductivity, designed for connector components exposed to both high temperature and high mechanical solicitation.
It presents one of the best thermal stress relaxation resistances compared to other copper alloys such as brass and copper-beryllium, and its excellent fatigue strength makes it a material of choice for devices that are frequently plugged and unplugged. C97® is a more environmentally friendly alternative to beryllium- and cadmium-copper alloys.
Minimum guaranteed properties.
| Grade / spec | Form | Tensile (ksi) | Yield 0.2% (ksi) | Elong. (%) | Hardness (HB) | Hardness (HRC) | Compliant with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C97 | Rods | 80 ksi | 71 ksi | 2 | 149 | n/a | — |
| C97 | Wires | 80 ksi | 71 ksi | 2 | 149 | n/a | — |
Data for information only, non-contractual. Request a certified datasheet for design allowables.
Physical properties
| Density | 8.9 g/cm³ |
| Electrical conductivity | 50 %IACS |
| Thermal conductivity | 245 W/m·K |
| Young's modulus | n/a |
| Thermal expansion | 18 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Magnetic permeability | n/a |
| Machinability index | 70 |
| NACE corrosion rating | n/a |
Norms & designations.
Designations
- CuNiPb1P
- UNS C19160
- EN CW111C · EN 12163
Forms & applications.
Rods
Drawn rod, 2.0–12.0 mm (0.08″–0.47″).
Wires
Drawn wire, 1.5–16.0 mm (0.06″–0.63″).
Circular & RF connectors
Female contact bodies in circular and RF connectors for aerospace.
Automotive connectors
Connector systems under combined thermal and mechanical load.
Medical device connectors
Contacts subject to repeated mechanical solicitation and fatigue.
Holds contact force where beryllium-copper fades
When connectors must survive high temperature and constant re-mating, thermal stress relaxation decides reliability. C97® keeps its grip, without beryllium or cadmium.