Materials

Beryllium Copper (e.g., UNS C17200, C17300)

• Material: Copper alloyed with 0.5–3% beryllium, often with small amounts of cobalt or nickel. Known for exceptional strength and hardness while retaining good corrosion resistance.

• Mechanical Properties:

  • Very high strength: yield strength up to ~200 ksi in age-hardened condition.

  • Excellent fatigue resistance, wear resistance, and elastic performance.

  • Good ductility and toughness compared to other high-strength copper alloys.

• Corrosion Resistance:

  • Good resistance to oxidation, seawater, and many industrial chemicals.

  • Performs well in marine, chemical, and oil & gas environments, though not as resistant as aluminum or silicon bronzes in aggressive seawater.

  • Resistant to stress corrosion cracking in many environments.

• Manufacturing Considerations:

  • Can be machined but work-hardens rapidly; care must be taken with tooling.

  • Age hardening (precipitation hardening) is used to achieve maximum strength.

  • Weldable but specialized procedures are required; brazing is preferred for joining.

  • Non-magnetic and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity relative to its strength.

• Applications in Fasteners & Components:

  • High-strength fasteners where both corrosion resistance and mechanical performance are critical.

  • Springs, pins, and bushings where elasticity and fatigue resistance are required.

  • Electrical connectors, terminals, and instrumentation fasteners requiring conductivity + strength.

  • Components in aerospace, defense, oil & gas, and marine equipment.