Beryllium Copper C17200 (BeCu 25 / Alloy 25)
Table of Content
- Applications and Advantages
- C17200 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 25 / BeCu 25)
- Availability & Dimensions
- C17200 Beryllium Copper Specifications
- Chemical Composition of Beryllium Copper C17200
- Physical Properties of Beryllium Copper C17200
- Mechanical Properties of Beryllium Copper C17200
- Thermal Properties of Beryllium Copper C17200
- C17200 Beryllium Copper Temperature Rating
- FAQs – C17200 Beryllium Copper
Beryllium Copper C17200, or Beryllium Copper 25 or Alloy 25, is a high performance copper alloy that has an outstanding strength, non-magnetic and non-sparking characteristics. It provides good metalworking, forming, non-galling, and machining properties which is suitable in the connector and component in severe or demanding environments. BeCu 25 has a high level of strength, conductivity, ductility, corrosion resistance, machinability, and low friction, which makes it useful in downhole directional tools (MWD/LWD housings), drill bit bearings, subsea actuator stems, subsea Xmas trees, connectors/contacts, and assisted lift pumps. vSM sells BeCu 25 in bar sizes 0.750 -5.500 inch OD and in any tubing design. Beryllium copper 25 is a metal alloy made of copper and may be reinforced by precipitation heat treatment to give equal strength of the alloy on mechanical strength, corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. Its alloy is very facile to fabricate, and the alloy has good formability and joining. It is solderable, brazeable, and welding can be done by standard methods and it retains strength of the heat treatment. Heat treatment after welding gives consistency of strength and the alloy is resistant to plastic deformation magnetic attraction, unlike ferromagnetic stainless steels.
Applications and Advantages
C17200 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 25 / BeCu 25)
Availability & Dimensions:
BeCu 25 comes in strip thicknesses of 0.0005 to 0.020 in (0.0127) to 0.508 mm) and widths as large as 12 in (304.8 mm), and foil as thin as 0.0001 in (0.00254 mm) with a width of 4 in (101.6 mm). It is available in tubes, rods, and bars in different standard sizes, thus it is useful in electronic, electromechanical and high performance industrial activities.
C17200 Beryllium Copper Specifications:
BeCu 25 comes in strip thicknesses of 0.0005 to 0.020 in (0.0127) to 0.508 mm) and widths as large as 12 in (304.8 mm), and foil as thin as 0.0001 in (0.00254 mm) with a width of 4 in (101.6 mm). It is available in tubes, rods, and bars in different standard sizes, thus it is useful in electronic, electromechanical and high performance industrial activities.
| End Product | Specification |
| Bar | AMS 4650, 4651, 4533, ASTM B194, B196, MILITARY MIL-C-21657, SAE J463, J461 |
| Extrusions | ASTM B570 |
| Forgings | AMS 4650, ASTM B570 |
| Plate | ASTM B194 |
| Rod | AMS 4650, 4534, 4533, 4651, ASTM B196, MILITARY MIL-C-21657, SAE J463, J461 |
| Rod, Forging | AMS 4650 |
| Sheet | ASTM B194 |
| Strip | ASTM B194, SAE J463, J461 |
| Tube, Seamless | AMS 4535, ASTM B643 |
| Wire | AMS 4725, ASTM B197, SAE J463, J461 |
Beryllium Copper C17200 Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Cu | 97.9 |
| Be | 1.9 |
| Co | 0.20 |
Physical Properties of Beryllium Copper C17200
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density (during age hardening, 2% max. decrease in length and 6% max. increase in density) | 8.25 g/cm3 | 0.298 lb/in3 |
| Melting point | 866°C | 1590°F |
Mechanical Properties of Beryllium Copper C17200
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness, Rockwell B | 80.0 – 85.0 | 80.0 – 85.0 |
| Tensile strength, ultimate | 1280 – 1480 MPa | 186000 – 215000 psi |
| Tensile strength, yield | 965 – 1205 MPa | 140000 – 174800 psi |
| Elongation at break | 15.0 – 30.0% | 15.0 – 30.0% |
| Modulus of elasticity | 125 – 130 GPa | 18100 – 18900 ksi |
| Poissons ratio | 0.300 | 0.300 |
| Machinability (UNS C36000 (free-cutting brass) = 100%) | 20% | 20% |
| Shear modulus | 50.0 GPa | 7250 ksi |
Thermal Properties of Beryllium Copper C17200
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
| Thermal Conductivity (@20°C) | 105 – 130 W/m·K | 729 – 902 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F |
| Thermal Conductivity (@200°C) | 130 – 133 W/m·K | 902 – 923 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F |
| CTE @ 20–100°C | 16.7 μm/m·°C | 9.28 μin/in·°F |
| CTE @ 20–200°C | 17.0 μm/m·°C | 9.44 μin/in·°F |
| CTE @ 20–300°C | 17.8 μm/m·°C | 9.89 μin/in·°F |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.420 J/g·°C | 0.100 BTU/lb·°F |
| Solidus Temperature | 865°C | 1590°F |
| Liquidus Temperature | 980°C | 1800°F |
C17200 Beryllium Copper Temperature
| PRODUCT TYPE | TEMPER TYPE |
| Bar | AMS 4650, 4651, 4533, ASTM B194, B196, MILITARY MIL-C-21657, SAE J463, J461 |
| Extrusions | ASTM B570 |
| Forgings | AMS 4650, ASTM B570 |
| Plate | ASTM B194 |
| Rod | AMS 4650, 4534, 4533, 4651, ASTM B196, MILITARY MIL-C-21657, SAE J463, J461 |
| Rod, Forging | AMS 4650 |
| Sheet | ASTM B194 |
| Strip | ASTM B194, SAE J463, J461 |
| Tube, Seamless | AMS 4535, ASTM B643 |
| Wire | AMS 4725, ASTM B197, SAE J463, J461 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Beryllium Copper
What is beryllium copper?
Beryllium copper possesses three distinct characteristics: outstanding strength properties together with superb electrical , thermal conductivity and superior corrosion durability. The material maintains its shape precisely and shows high resistance to stress.
Is beryllium copper harder than steel?
Yes, Beryllium copper in its heat-treated state surpasses the hardness of numerous alloy steels yet maintains its electrical conductivity & corrosion resistance properties.
How is beryllium copper alloy made?
Beryllium copper can be made through the melting process of copper with minimal amounts of beryllium or beryllium oxide. Manufacturers shape the beryllium copper mixture into ingots before creating final product forms.
What are the uses of beryllium copper?
Beryllium copper serves multiple industrial purposes as it enables electrical connectors and springs and load cells and tools to remain strong yet conductive and non-magnetic.
How to select the right beryllium copper alloy for your application?
The selection of beryllium copper alloy requires evaluation of strength properties together with conductivity levels and corrosion resistance and formability characteristics. Alloy C17200 provides maximum strength properties but other beryllium copper variants excel in electrical and thermal applications.
What is the density of beryllium copper?
Beryllium copper density is about 8.25 g/cm³ and 0.298 lb/in³.
What factors affect the beryllium copper price?
Beryllium copper prices depend on copper and beryllium market rates worldwide in combination with alloy grades such as C17200 and production expenses and aerospace and electronics market requirements. The price of beryllium copper increases when customers request custom shapes or when they need small batch orders.
How to Select the Right Beryllium Copper Alloy for the Right Application?
When selecting a beryllium copper alloy, consider the application’s strength, electrical & thermal conductivity needs, corrosion resistance & whether a non-magnetic material is required. Beryllium copper is ideal for high-performance uses like electrical contacts, springs & aerospace parts.
