Beryllium Copper (UNS C17200 / C17300 / C17500)
Beryllium Copper is a high-performance copper alloy that offers a rare combination of extreme strength, high conductivity, and non-magnetic properties. By adding a small amount of beryllium (0.4% to 2.0%) to a copper matrix, an alloy is created that can be heat-treated to reach tensile strengths of up to 200,000 psi—a level typically reserved for high-strength alloy steels.
At Aries Alloys, we supply Beryllium Copper to industries where safety and reliability are paramount. It is the premier material for "non-sparking" tools in explosive environments and for high-cycle electronic connectors that require both electrical efficiency and mechanical durability.
Key Performance Benefits
- Steel-Like Strength: Through precipitation hardening, it achieves the highest strength of any copper-based alloy, making it ideal for heavy-duty springs and fasteners.
- Non-Sparking Safety: Does not produce sparks when struck against other metals, making it essential for tools used in oil rigs, coal mines, and chemical plants.
- High Fatigue Resistance: Capable of withstanding millions of flex cycles without losing its shape, perfect for bellows and electrical switch contacts.
- Non-Magnetic Integrity: Ideal for use in sensitive electronic housings and downhole directional drilling tools where magnetic interference must be avoided.
- Excellent Thermal & Electrical Conductivity: Maintains much higher conductivity than stainless steel or titanium, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and signal transfer.
Technical Profile & Composition
The Precipitation Hardening Advantage:
Beryllium Copper is unique among copper alloys because it can be significantly strengthened through a low-temperature heat treatment. The most common grade, C17200 (Alloy 25), contains approximately 1.8% to 2.0% Beryllium.
Mechanical & Physical Data:
- Density: 8.25 g/cm^3
- Electrical Conductivity: 20% to 60% IACS (depending on the specific alloy and temper).
- Thermal Conductivity: Twice that of aluminum and vastly superior to stainless steel.
- Corrosion Resistance: Similar to pure copper; highly resistant to seawater and non-oxidizing acids.
Primary Industrial Use Cases
Aries Alloys sources Beryllium Copper for mission-critical applications:
- Oil & Gas: Non-magnetic housings for Measurement While Drilling (MWD) tools and heavy-duty bushings for drilling equipment.
- Aerospace & Defense: High-strength bushings, landing gear components, and actuators that require low friction and high reliability.
- Electronics: Miniature battery contacts, connectors, and computer springs that must maintain tension over long periods.
- Safety Tooling: Hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers used in "Ex-zones" (potentially explosive atmospheres).
- Automotive: Resistance welding electrodes and specialized sensor components.
Product Availability at Aries Alloys
- Round & Hex Bars: Precision rods for machining non-magnetic shafts, connectors, and heavy-duty bushings.
- Sheets & Strips: High-precision strips for stamping electrical contacts and diaphragm springs.
- Wire: Fine wire for high-cycle springs and specialized electrical leads.
- Plates: Durable flat products for mold inserts and plastic injection tooling.