Iron Copper Alloy

(Fe-Cu Alloy) Copper Iron Alloy Material Supplier

Iron Copper Alloy (Fe-Cu Alloy) combines the strength of iron with the excellent thermal and electrical conductivity of copper for industrial and powder metallurgy applications.

What Is Iron Copper Alloy (Fe-Cu Alloy)?

High Performance Iron Copper Composite Materials for Powder Metallurgy, Automotive and Industrial Applications

Iron Copper Alloy (Fe-Cu Alloy) is a composite metallic material combining iron and copper to achieve improved mechanical strength, thermal conductivity and electrical performance.

Unlike traditional copper alloys, Fe-Cu alloys are commonly produced through powder metallurgy, sintering or copper infiltration processes. The addition of copper improves dimensional stability, conductivity and wear resistance of iron-based materials.

Sunny Steel supplies iron copper alloy materials and customized components for automotive, electrical, mechanical and industrial applications requiring a balance between strength and conductivity.

Common Types of Iron Copper Alloy

Type Description Applications
Fe-Cu Sintered Alloy Iron copper powder metallurgy material produced by sintering process Automotive and mechanical components
Copper Infiltrated Iron Iron-based material enhanced with copper infiltration Wear parts and high strength components
Iron Copper Carbon Alloy Fe-Cu-C material with improved mechanical properties Structural powder metallurgy parts
Custom Fe-Cu Alloy Customized composition according to application requirements Special industrial components

Chemical Composition of Iron Copper Alloy

Iron Copper Alloy (Fe-Cu Alloy) is mainly composed of iron and copper. Additional elements such as carbon may be added to improve hardness, strength and wear resistance.

Element Typical Content (%)
Iron (Fe) Balance
Copper (Cu) 1 - 30
Carbon (C) 0 - 1.2
Nickel (Ni) Optional addition
Molybdenum (Mo) Optional addition

Mechanical Properties of Iron Copper Alloy

Mechanical properties of Fe-Cu alloys depend on copper content, powder metallurgy process, density and heat treatment condition.

Property Typical Value
Tensile Strength 300 - 800 MPa
Yield Strength 200 - 600 MPa
Hardness 80 - 250 HB
Density 6.8 - 7.8 g/cm³
Electrical Conductivity Higher than pure iron

Iron Copper Alloy vs Pure Iron

Property Iron Copper Alloy Pure Iron
Strength Higher due to copper alloying Lower
Wear Resistance Improved Limited
Thermal Conductivity Higher Lower
Electrical Performance Improved Moderate
Manufacturing Method Powder metallurgy and infiltration Conventional steel processing

Iron Copper Alloy vs Bronze Alloy

Property Iron Copper Alloy Bronze Alloy
Main Elements Iron + Copper Copper + Tin / Aluminum / Other Elements
Main Advantage High strength and cost efficiency Excellent corrosion resistance and wear performance
Typical Process Powder metallurgy Casting, forging, machining
Applications Automotive and mechanical components Bearings, valves and marine components
Iron-Copper Alloy Tubes

Applicable Grades

High Conductivity Copper-Iron-Phosphorus Alloys

UNS Grade Cu & Others (Wt%) Fe (Wt%) P (Wt%) Zn (Wt%) Electrical Conductivity (%IACS at 20°C) Density (g/cm³) Thermal Conductivity (W/(m·K)) Thermal Expansion Coefficient (10⁻⁶/K) Elastic Modulus (GPa)
C19200 Cu+Fe+P ≥ 98.5 0.8-1.2 0.01-0.04 ≤0.2 ≥60 8.9 320 17.0 117
C19210 Cu+Fe+P ≥ 99.8 0.05-0.15 0.025-0.04 - ≥85 8.91 350 17.0 125
C19400 Cu+Fe+P+Zn ≥ 99.8 2.1-2.6 0.015-0.15 0.05-0.2 ≥40 8.78 262 17.9 121

C19400 (CuFe2P)

High-strength copper-iron alloy (CW107C) balancing electrical conductivity with mechanical performance. Specified for lead frames, connectors and power electronics.

Microstructure & Alloying

Primarily α-Cu with dispersed Fe precipitates. Iron enhances strength; phosphorus improves corrosion resistance and machinability.

Key Properties

  • Strength & Hardness: Significantly higher than pure copper; suitable for high-load components.
  • Ductility: Retains sufficient toughness to withstand forming and deformation.
  • Conductivity: Up to 60% IACS — ideal for applications requiring strength-conductivity balance.
  • Corrosion & Wear: Excellent resistance in humid, acidic or alkaline environments; enhanced wear resistance for friction parts.
  • Weldability & Plating: Good weldability with MIG/TIG; excellent hot-dip tin plating for soldering.

Chemical Composition (ASTM B465)

Element Fe Zn P Cu
Content (%) 2.1–2.6 0.05–0.2 0.015–0.15 Remainder

Alloy Standards

System Designation
ASTM C19400 (ASTM B465)
DIN CuFe2P / 2.1310
EN CuFe2P / CW107C
JIS C1940

Physical Properties

Density 8.91 g/cm³ Electrical Conductivity 64% IACS (20°C, lowest temper)
Modulus of Elasticity 121 GPa Thermal Conductivity 260 W/(m·K)
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 16.3 × 10⁻⁶/K

Chemical Composition (ASTM B465)

Element Fe Zn P Cu
Content (%) 2.1–2.6 0.05–0.2 0.015–0.15 Remainder

Typical Applications

Lead frames and separator components in IC packaging, fully/partially etched parts, connectors, terminals and busbars.

C19400 (CuFe2P) Copper-Iron Alloy
Iron-Copper Alloy Wire

Iron-Copper Alloy Wire

Materials / Metals

Cu-Fe Alloys

Copper-iron alloys engineered for high electrical and thermal conductivity combined with enhanced strength and wear resistance.

Typical Chemical Composition

Alloy Fe Cr Mn Si P Cu
CuFe5 4.5–5.5 <0.005 <0.01 <0.005 <0.0015 Remainder
CuFe10 9.5–10.5 <0.005 <0.01 <0.005 <0.0015 Remainder

Typical Characteristics (Strip)

Alloy & Temper Tensile Strength (MPa) Elongation (%) Hardness (HV) Conductivity (%IACS) Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)
CuFe5 (1/4H) 350–420 >15 100–135 >65 >300
CuFe5 (H) 500–600 >5 140–180 >60 >300
CuFe10 (1/4H) 380–460 >12 110–140 >60 >170
CuFe10 (H) 550–650 >4 150–190 >55 >170

Notes

  • Higher Fe content → higher strength & hardness, slightly lower conductivity.
  • CuFe5 offers the best conductivity (>65% IACS in 1/4H); CuFe10 offers the highest strength (up to 650 MPa in H temper).
  • Both grades provide excellent electromagnetic shielding performance across a wide frequency range.

Typical Applications

Powder Metallurgy Components

Iron copper alloys are widely used for sintered components requiring strength, dimensional accuracy and improved conductivity.

Automotive Industry

Used for automotive parts such as gears, bearings, structural components and wear-resistant parts.

Electrical Components

Applied in electrical parts requiring a combination of mechanical strength and conductivity.

Brake and Friction Materials

Iron copper alloys are used in friction materials because copper improves thermal conductivity and heat dissipation.

Mechanical Equipment

Suitable for industrial components requiring wear resistance and stable mechanical performance.

Wear Resistant Parts

Used in components exposed to friction, pressure and repeated mechanical loading.

Frequently Asked Questions
Iron Copper Alloy (Fe-Cu Alloy) is a composite metallic material combining iron and copper. It provides improved strength, thermal conductivity and electrical performance compared with pure iron-based materials.
No. Unlike brass or bronze, Iron Copper Alloy is mainly an iron-based alloy containing copper. It is commonly produced through powder metallurgy, sintering or copper infiltration processes.
The main advantages of Fe-Cu Alloy include high mechanical strength, improved thermal conductivity, better wear resistance, good dimensional stability and cost-effective manufacturing.
Iron Copper Alloy is commonly manufactured through powder metallurgy processes including powder mixing, compaction, sintering, copper infiltration and final machining.
Copper infiltration is a process where molten copper is introduced into porous iron-based components during sintering to improve density, strength, thermal conductivity and mechanical performance.
Iron Copper Alloy is widely used in automotive, machinery, electrical equipment, powder metallurgy, friction materials and industrial component manufacturing.
Copper improves the performance of iron-based materials by increasing strength, dimensional stability, thermal conductivity and resistance to wear.
Typical applications include automotive components, gears, bearings, bushings, structural powder metallurgy parts, electrical components and wear-resistant parts.
Yes. Fe-Cu Alloy is widely used in automotive powder metallurgy components because it provides good strength, dimensional accuracy and cost-effective production.
Yes. The addition of copper and proper sintering processes improve wear resistance, making Fe-Cu Alloy suitable for mechanical parts exposed to friction and repeated loading.
Yes. Compared with pure iron, Fe-Cu Alloy provides improved thermal conductivity due to the presence of copper.
Yes. Certain Fe-Cu materials can be used for electrical components where a balance between mechanical strength and conductivity is required.
Iron Copper Alloy provides improved conductivity and thermal performance compared with conventional steel, while steel generally provides higher strength for structural applications.
Bronze is a copper-based alloy, while Fe-Cu Alloy is mainly iron-based with copper addition. Fe-Cu Alloy is commonly selected for powder metallurgy components requiring strength and cost efficiency.
Yes. Fe-Cu Alloy components can be machined after sintering to achieve precise dimensions and surface requirements.
Yes. Customized Fe-Cu Alloy components can be manufactured according to customer drawings, specifications and application requirements.
Iron Copper Alloy is mainly supplied as powder metallurgy components, copper infiltrated parts, bushings, structural parts and customized industrial components.
Mechanical properties depend on composition, density and processing conditions. Fe-Cu Alloy generally provides high strength, good hardness and improved wear resistance compared with pure iron.
Fe-Cu Alloy can be used in applications involving elevated temperatures where improved thermal conductivity and dimensional stability are required. The specific temperature capability depends on material composition and design.
Copper addition improves sintering behavior, dimensional stability and mechanical properties, making Fe-Cu Alloy one of the commonly used powder metallurgy material systems.
Quality inspection may include chemical composition analysis, density testing, hardness testing, tensile testing, dimensional inspection and metallographic examination.
Yes. Powder metallurgy manufacturing is especially suitable for mass production of components requiring consistent dimensions and stable performance.
Customers should provide drawings, dimensions, application conditions, mechanical requirements and production quantity for customized Fe-Cu Alloy components.
In some applications, Fe-Cu Alloy can replace bronze components when high strength, dimensional stability and cost efficiency are more important than corrosion resistance.
Sunny Steel supplies customized iron copper alloy components with quality control, technical support and international export experience for industrial applications.
Iron-Copper Alloy bars
Iridium Unique Properties

A range of Iron Copper Alloy Shapes

Sunny Steel supplies Iron Copper Alloy materials in various forms to meet different industrial manufacturing requirements.

Iron Copper Alloy Tube

Iron Copper Alloy Rod

Iron Copper Alloy Plate

Iron Copper Alloy Coil

Iron Copper Alloy Foil

Iron Copper Alloy Sheet

Iron Copper Alloy Bar

Iron Copper Alloy Components

Iron Copper Alloy Wire

Related Products

Aluminum Bronze

Aluminum Bronze

High-performance aluminum alloy with excellent conductivity, strength and resistance to high-temperature softening.
Tin-Bronze Alloy Material

Tin-Bronze

High-performance tin tin-lead bronze alloy materials including tubes, rods, bars, plates and customized tin bronze alloy components.
Brass Alloy Material

Brass

High-performance copper-zinc alloy materials including tubes, rods, bars, plates and customized brass components.
Pure Copper

Pure Copper

High purity copper material with excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance for industrial applications.
Oxygen Free Copper

Oxygen Free Copper

High purity oxygen-free copper with excellent conductivity, low oxygen content and superior performance for semiconductor, electrical and vacuum applications.
Beryllium Copper Bar Material

Beryllium Copper Bar

Beryllium copper bar materials combining high strength of beryllium with conductivity and thermal performance of copper.
Chromium Zirconium Copper CuCrZr Alloy

Chromium Zirconium Copper (CuCrZr)

High-performance copper alloy with excellent conductivity, strength and resistance to high-temperature softening.
Copper Nickel Alloy Material

Copper Nickel Alloy (Cu-Ni)

High corrosion resistant copper nickel alloy materials for marine, heat exchanger and industrial applications.
Special Copper Alloys Material

Special Copper Alloys

High-performance copper alloys including beryllium copper, copper nickel alloy, zirconium copper and other specialty copper materials.

Our services

Services
More than 20 years of experience

Precision machining and forging of copper alloys, brass and bronze, built on a certified quality management system.

CNC Turning

Precision round parts

CNC Boring

Internal machining

CNC Milling

Complex profiles

Forgings

Die & open-die

Wire EDM

High-precision cutting

View All Services

Full capability list

Hot Products
Ceramic lined pipe

【H】 Ceramic lined pipe

Ceramic lined pipe is made through self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) technique.

Cast basalt lined steel pipe

【H】 Cast basalt lined steel pipe

Cast basalt lined steel pipe is composed by lined with cast basalt pipe, outside steel pipe and cement mortar filling between the two layers.

Ceramic Tile Lined Pipes

【H】 Ceramic Tile Lined Pipes

Ceramic tile lined pipes have very uniform coating of specially formulated ceramic material that is affixed to the inner of the pipe.

Rare earth alloy wear-resistant pipe

【H】 Rare earth alloy wear-resistant pipe

The material of the rare earth alloy wear-resistant pipe is ZG40CrMnMoNiSiRe, which is also the grade of rare earth alloy steel.

Tubes Erosion Shields

【H】 Tubes Erosion Shields

Tubes Erosion Shields are used to protect boiler tubing from the highly erosive effects of high temperatures and pressures thereby greatly extending tube life.

ASTM A213 T91 Seamless Alloy Tube

【H】 ASTM A213 T91 Alloy Tube

The ASTM A213 T91 seamless tubes are primarily used for boiler, superheater, and heat-exchanger.

The White Glove Service You Deserve

When you partner with Sunny Steel, you can stop worrying about meeting deadlines thanks to our responsive and timely service. You'll also say goodbye to unnecessary shopping around. Instead, you'll get white glove service from an expert who understands your needs and can get you the materials you need quickly.

application

Materials delivered on-time and at a fair price

application

No delays in production or manufacturing process

application

Meet engineering specifications to ensure top quality

application

World-class customer service ready to help