Beryllium copper

Beryllium copper (BeCu), also known as copper beryllium (CuBe), beryllium bronze, and spring copper, is a copper alloy with 0.5–3% beryllium. Copper beryllium alloys are often used because of their high strength and good conductivity of both heat and electricity. It is used for its ductility, weldability in metalworking, and machining properties. It has many specialized applications in tools for hazardous environments, musical instruments, precision measurement devices, bullets, and some uses in the field of aerospace. Beryllium copper and other beryllium alloys are harmful carcinogens that present a toxic inhalation hazard during manufacturing. Beryllium copper is a ductile, weldable, and machinable alloy. Like pure copper, it is resistant to non-oxidizing acids (such as hydrochloric acid and carbonic acid) and plastic decomposition products, to abrasive wear, and to galling. It can be heat-treated for increased strength, durability, and electrical conductivity. Beryllium copper attains the greatest strength (up to ) of any copper-based alloy. It has thermal conductivity of 62 Btu/h-ft-°F (107 W/m-K), which is 3–5 times higher than tool steel. It has a solid melting point of 1590 °F (866 °C) and a liquid melting point of 1800 °F (982 °C). It has a high capacity for being hot-formed. C17200 beryllium copper alloy has strength and hardness similar to that of steel; Rockwell hardness properties in its peaked age condition are in the range of 200 ksi and RC45. C17200 has effective corrosion-resistant properties when exposed to harsh conditions such as seawater, and down-hole environments. It will withstand sulphide or chloride stress corrosion cracking and will resist the effects of carbon dioxide and hydrogen embrittlement. Copper alloys in general have always been considered non-sparking. C17200 has the strength to withstand use in hand and mechanical tools. These non-sparking features are best applied in explosive environments such as in the oil & gas and gunpowder industries.