Table of Contents
What is FC-0808 Material?
FC-0808 is an iron-copper powder metallurgy alloy containing 8% copper, offering higher strength and better machinability than standard iron or lower copper alloys. It's cost-effective for structural parts requiring moderate strength.
Material Designation
- MPIF Standard: FC-0808
- Alternative Names: 8Cu-Fe, High Copper Iron
- Material Family: Iron-Copper Alloys
Chemical Composition
| Element | Weight % | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Base material |
| Copper (Cu) | 7.0-9.0% | Strength, density, machinability |
| Carbon (C) | 0.3-0.5% | Hardness (optional) |
| Other | <0.3% | Trace elements |
Mechanical Properties
As-Sintered (Density 6.6 g/cm3)
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 380 MPa (55 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 280 MPa (41 ksi) |
| Elongation | 2% |
| Hardness | 65 HRB |
| Density | 6.4-6.8 g/cm3 |
After Sizing (Density 7.0 g/cm3)
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 520 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 410 MPa (60 ksi) |
| Hardness | 80 HRB |
Key Advantages
- Cost-Effective - No expensive alloying elements (Ni, Mo)
- Good Machinability - Copper improves cutting characteristics
- Moderate Strength - Suitable for many structural applications
- Easy Processing - Simple sintering, no special atmosphere required
- Dimensional Precision - Minimal shrinkage during sintering
Typical Applications
Automotive
- Low-stress gears
- Flanges and brackets
- Pulley hubs
- Spacers and washers
Appliances
- Motor mounts
- Structural brackets
- Leveling feet
- Guide plates
General Industrial
- Bushings and sleeves
- Cam followers
- Light-duty gears
- Mounting components
Processing Parameters
- Compaction Pressure: 550-650 MPa
- Sintering Temperature: 1120°C
- Sintering Atmosphere: Endothermic gas or nitrogen-hydrogen blend
- Sintering Time: 20-25 minutes
- Typical Density: 6.5-6.8 g/cm3 (as-sintered)
Secondary Operations
Common:
- Sizing (improve density and tolerances)
- Steam treatment (corrosion resistance)
- Machining (threads, precision holes)
Optional:
- Heat treatment (limited hardenability)
- Plating (zinc, nickel)
- Tumbling (deburr)
Design Considerations
Suitable For:
Moderate strength requirements (<500 MPa) Parts requiring machining Cost-sensitive applications Large production volumes
Not Suitable For:
鉂?High-stress structural parts (use FN-0408) 鉂?Corrosive environments (use stainless steel) 鉂?Self-lubricating bearings (use bronze or iron-graphite)
Material Comparison
| Material | Tensile Strength | Copper % | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC-0808 | 520 MPa | 8% | $$ | General structural |
| FC-0205 | 420 MPa | 5% | $ | Low-stress parts |
| FN-0408 | 850 MPa (HT) | 8% + Ni | $$$ | High-stress gears |
| FC-0208 | 450 MPa | 8% | $$ | Medium-duty parts |
Cost Estimate
Material Cost: $4-6/kg (powder) Processing Cost: Low (standard sintering) Typical Part Cost: $0.50-$5.00 depending on size and volume
Cost Advantage: 30-50% cheaper than nickel alloys, similar performance to FC-0205 but higher strength.
Quality Standards
- MPIF Standard 35 - Materials for PM Structural Parts
- ISO 5755 - Sintered Metal Materials
- ASTM B783 - Iron-Based PM Structural Parts
Get FC-0808 Components from SinterWorks
SinterWorks produces FC-0808 parts with:
- Consistent density: 6.5-7.0 g/cm3
- Tight tolerances: +/-0.1mm as-sintered, +/-0.05mm after sizing
- High volume capacity: Up to 10M parts/year
- In-house secondary operations
Request a quote: Upload your CAD file for free evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FC-0808 be heat treated?
Limited hardenability. Can achieve ~25 HRC with proper carbon content and quenching, but not recommended for high-hardness applications.
What is the maximum achievable density?
7.0-7.2 g/cm3 with sizing/coining operation.
Is FC-0808 rust-resistant?
No. Steam treatment or plating recommended for corrosion protection.
Related Resources
Use these internal links to keep moving through the most relevant guides, service pages, and technical references for this topic.
FC-0205 Material Guide
Compare FC-0808 with a lower-copper FC-series option when cost matters more than the added strength and density of an 8 percent copper grade.
FN-0408 Material Guide
Review a higher-performance nickel-copper PM route when FC-0808 does not provide enough toughness or hardenability.
Applications Overview
See where general-purpose FC-series materials fit structural parts, gears, lock hardware, and other repeat-volume PM programs.
Request a Quote
Send your drawing, cost target, and production volume for FC-0808 material guidance and quotation support.