Beryllium Copper C17200 (BeCu 25 / Alloy 25)
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BeCu 25, or Alloy 25, is a precipitation-hardening copper alloy with a unique combination of high strength, outstanding electrical conductivity, and corrosion and wear resistance. Its non-magnetic and non-sparking properties make it an ideal choice for critical applications requiring safety, durability, and precision. C17200 is age-hardened to give mechanical properties similar to high-strength steels and has a high conductivity and excellent corrosion resistance, as is characteristic of copper.Kalpataru Piping supplies C17200 in mill (TB00 / TD04) and age-hardened (TF00 / TH04) tempers, with certified chemistry and hardness per lot, which find use in demanding industrial applications and meet international quality standards. The alloy has also been found to be highly resistant to fatigue and easy to machine, form, and gall, thus lending itself to very challenging service conditions. BeCu C17200 is commonly used in precision engineering, such as electrical connectors, springs, bearings, bushings, mold parts, aerospace components, oil and gas components, subsea components, welding electrodes, and other applications that require long-term reliability and performance.
Applications and Advantages
Beryllium Copper C17200 and Beryllium Copper 25 are applied in high load, fatigue-resistant and corrosion-resistant applications. They are very galling resistant, wear resistant as well as low-friction which is perfect in bearings, bushings and precision components. The alloy is resistant to corrosion in seawater, dilute acids, alkalis and most organic solutions and complies with NACE MR0175. BeCu 25 should not be used in the presence of ammonium hydroxide or highly oxidizing acids.
Table of Content
- 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
C17200 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 25 / BeCu 25)
C17200 Beryllium Copper, also known as Alloy 25 or BeCu 25, is a precipitation-hardening copper alloy known for its exceptional strength, good electrical and thermal conductivity, and excellent wear resistance. It responds exceptionally well to age hardening, making it ideal for components that require high strength, fatigue resistance, and long-term durability. Available in rods, bars, tubes, strips, and foils, the alloy can be supplied in solution-annealed or cold-worked tempers to meet diverse engineering requirements. It is typically age hardened at approximately 315°C (600°F) for 2–3 hours to achieve optimum mechanical properties while maintaining good machinability and formability. With tensile strength exceeding 1,380 MPa (200 ksi), C17200 Beryllium Copper is manufactured to the applicable ASTM standard for each form — B194 (plate/sheet/strip), B196 (rod/bar), B197 (wire), B643 (seamless tube) — to UNS C17200, making it suitable for aerospace, electrical, marine, and industrial applications.
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.
- Specifications
- Chemical Composition
- Properties
- Mechanical Properties
- Thermal Properties
- Thermal Properties
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 |
Applicable Specification |
|
Bar |
AMS 4533, AMS 4650, AMS 4651, ASTM B196, MIL-C-21657, SAE J461, SAE J463 |
|
Rod |
AMS 4533, AMS 4534, AMS 4650, AMS 4651, ASTM B196, MIL-C-21657, SAE J461, SAE J463 |
|
Rod Forgings |
AMS 4650 |
|
Forgings |
AMS 4650, ASTM B570 |
|
Plate |
ASTM B194 |
|
Sheet |
ASTM B194 |
|
Strip |
ASTM B194, SAE J461, SAE J463 |
|
Extrusions |
ASTM B570 |
|
Seamless Tube |
AMS 4535, ASTM B643 |
|
Wire |
AMS 4725, ASTM B197, SAE J461, SAE J463 |
Beryllium Copper C17200 Chemical Composition
|
Element |
Composition (%) |
|
Copper (Cu) |
Balance |
|
Beryllium (Be) |
1.80 – 2.00 |
|
Cobalt + Nickel (Co + Ni) |
0.20 min |
|
Iron (Fe) |
0.20 max |
|
Aluminum (Al) |
0.20 max |
|
Silicon (Si) |
0.20 max |
Beryllium Copper C17200 Properties
|
Property |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Density |
8.25 g/cm³ |
0.298 lb/in³ |
|
Melting Range |
865–980°C |
1590–1795°F |
|
Electrical Conductivity |
22–28% IACS |
22–28% IACS |
|
Electrical Resistivity |
7.2–7.8 µΩ·cm |
4.3–4.7 µΩ·in |
|
Magnetic Properties |
Non-magnetic |
Non-magnetic |
Beryllium Copper C17200 Mechanical Properties
|
Property |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Ultimate Tensile Strength |
1,140–1,380 MPa |
165–200 ksi |
|
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) |
965–1,170 MPa |
140–170 ksi |
|
Elongation |
3–10% |
3–10% |
|
Hardness |
36–42 HRC |
36–42 HRC |
|
Modulus of Elasticity |
128 GPa |
18,600 ksi |
|
Shear Modulus |
48 GPa |
6,960 ksi |
|
Poisson’s Ratio |
0.30 |
0.30 |
|
Machinability (C36000 = 100%) |
20% |
20% |
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 |
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20–100°C) |
16.7 µm/m·°C |
9.28 µin/in·°F |
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20–200°C) |
17.0 µm/m·°C |
9.44 µin/in·°F |
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20–300°C) |
17.8 µm/m·°C |
9.89 µin/in·°F |
|
Specific Heat Capacity |
0.42 J/g·°C |
0.10 BTU/lb·°F |
|
Solidus Temperature |
865°C |
1,590°F |
|
Liquidus Temperature |
980°C |
1,796°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 |
Beryllium Copper C17200 Price
The price of Beryllium Copper C17200 (Alloy 25) varies depending on the product form, size, temper, order quantity, and current raw material prices. Due to its high strength, excellent conductivity, and superior corrosion resistance, it is generally more expensive than standard copper alloys. For bulk orders and custom sizes, pricing is available on request. Typical market prices for C17200 products range from USD 15–35 per kg, depending on specifications and quantity.
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.
