Beryllium copper is widely used in the electronics and telecommunications industries. According to research, nearly half of all beryllium copper is utilized in this sector for manufacturing telecommunication infrastructure, computers, and mobile phones, enabling modern communication. This material possesses unique properties that make it highly conductive, making it an essential component in today’s technological landscape. The versatility of beryllium copper lies in its combination of high electrical conductivity, strength, and durability. It plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable performance across various applications. Below is a detailed breakdown of its uses, properties, and related technical information. --- ### Table of Contents - **Applications of Beryllium Copper in Electronics** - **BeCu Electrical Conductivity** - **Grades of Beryllium Copper** - **C17200 Beryllium Copper Heat Treatment Process** - **Beryllium Copper Alloys Composition** - **BeCu Mechanical Properties** - **Cryogenic Temperatures Properties of Berylco 25** - **Beryllium Copper Alloys Physical Properties** - **Applications of Beryllium Copper in Telecommunications** --- ### C17200 Beryllium Copper in Fiber Optic Cables C17200 beryllium copper is commonly used in fiber optic cables due to its exceptional characteristics: - **High Tensile Strength**: Achieved through precipitation hardening, allowing it to withstand significant bending pressure. - **Good Electrical Conductivity**: Ideal for high-current applications. - **Malleability**: Easily shaped into complex forms without requiring post-molding heat treatment. - **Fatigue Resistance**: Ensures long-lasting performance under repeated stress. - **Corrosion Resistance**: Protects against harsh environments. - **Thermal Stability**: Maintains mechanical integrity at high temperatures. These features make it a preferred choice in demanding applications where reliability and performance are critical. --- ### Applications of Beryllium Copper in Electronics Beryllium copper is extensively used in electronic components such as: | **Electrical Components** | |---------------------------| | Fuse Clips | | Electrical Switch / Relay Blades | | Switch Parts | | Relay Parts | | Spring Connectors | | Connectors | | Contact Bridges | | Current Carrying | | Belleville Washers | | Clips | | Navigational Instruments | This alloy's ability to combine high strength with good conductivity makes it ideal for precision parts in electrical systems. --- ### BeCu Electrical Conductivity The electrical conductivity of beryllium copper can be calculated using the formula: > **C (%IACS) = 1.7241 / ρ₂₀ × 100**, where **ρ₂₀ (µΩ·cm)** is the resistivity at 20°C. | Alloy | Before Ageing | After Standard Ageing | Mill Hardened | |-------|---------------|------------------------|----------------| | Berylco 14 & 8 | 22–25% IACS | 45–48% IACS | 45–65% IACS | | Berylco 25 & 165 | 15–18% IACS | 22–23% IACS | 20–28% IACS | --- ### Grades of Beryllium Copper Different grades of beryllium copper offer varying levels of machinability, weldability, and application suitability. | Grade | Machinability | Weldability | Forging Temp. | Hot Working | Cold Working | Annealing Temp. | Application | |-------------|----------------|-------------|----------------|-------------|--------------|------------------|-------------| | UNS C17200 | 20% | MMAW, SW, BW, etc. | 649–816°C | Good | Excellent | 774–802°C | Electrical connectors, springs | | UNS C17510 | – | SW, BW, GSAW, brazing | 648–885°C | Excellent | Excellent | – | Precision parts, bearings | | UNS C17000 | 20% | Brazing, GSAW, etc. | 649–816°C | Good | Excellent | 774–802°C | Connectors, springs | | UNS C17500 | – | SW, BW, brazing, soldering | 649–885°C | Good | Excellent | – | Connectors, corrosion-resistant parts | | UNS C17300 | 20% | GSAW, brazing, soldering | 649–816°C | Excellent | Excellent | 774–802°C | Bearings, springs | --- ### C17200 Beryllium Copper Heat Treatment Process The heat treatment process involves two main stages: #### 1. **Solution Annealing** - Prepare the material for age hardening - Dissolve beryllium into the copper matrix - Soak at 750–800°C for 30 minutes to 1 hour - Cool rapidly in water or oil #### 2. **Age Precipitation** - Develop desired strength and hardness - Heat at 300–400°C for 1–2 hours - Cool to room temperature This process enhances the alloy’s mechanical properties while maintaining good formability. --- ### Beryllium Copper Alloys Composition | Alloy Designation | UNS | ISO/EN Symbol | Chemical Composition (%) | |-------------------|-----|----------------|--------------------------| | B14 | C17510 | CuNi2Be | Be: 0.2–0.6, Ni: 1.8–2.5, Cu: 99.5 min | | B8 | C17510 | CuNi2Be | Be: 0.2–0.6, Ni: 1.4–2.2, Cu: 99.5 min | | B7 | C17530 | CuNi2Be | Be: 0.2–0.4, Ni: 1.8–2.5, Cu: 99.5 min | | B25 | C17200 | CuBe2 | Be: 1.8–2.0, Co: 0.3 max, Cu: 99.5 min | | B33/25 | C17300 | CuBe2Pb | Be: 1.8–2.0, Pb: 0.2 min, Cu: 99.5 min | | B165 | C17000 | CuBe1.7 | Be: 1.6–1.8, Cu: 99.5 min | --- ### BeCu Mechanical Properties | Property | C17200 | C17510 | C17000 | C17500 | C17300 | |----------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------| | Hardness (Rockwell B) | 80–85 | 35 | 60 | 35 | 6 | | Tensile Strength (MPa) | 1280–1480 | 310 | 483 | 310 | 469 | | Yield Strength (MPa) | 965–1205 | 172 | 32100–170000 psi | 172 | 145000–175000 psi | | Elongation (%) | 15–30 | 28 | 45 | 28 | 48 | --- ### Cryogenic Temperatures Properties of Berylco 25 | Temperature (°C) | YS 0.2 (N/mm²) | UTS (N/mm²) | Young’s Modulus (N/mm²) | A% (25mm) | Charpy Impact (N/mm²) | |------------------|----------------|-------------|-------------------------|------------|------------------------| | –100 | 1080 | 1380 | 131000 | 8 | 6.9 | | –200 | 1170 | 1490 | 134000 | 9 | 9.6 | | 20 | 980 | 1340 | 123000 | 5 | 5.5 | | –150 | 1110 | 1400 | 131000 | 9 | 8.3 | --- ### Beryllium Copper Alloys Physical Properties | Property | B165 | B25/B33/25 | B8 | B14 | B7 | |----------|------|------------|----|-----|----| | Specific Heat (Cal/g°C) | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | | Melting Point (°C) | 890–1000 | 865–980 | 1005–1070 | 1030–1070 | 1050–1085 | | Electrical Resistivity (µΩ·cm) | 7.8 | 7.9 | 3.1 | 3.8 | 5.4 | | Thermal Expansion (x10⁻⁶/°C) | 17.5 | 17.3 | 17.6 | 18 | 17.6 | | Density (g/cm³) | 8.35 | 8.26 | 8.75 | 8.75 | 8.71 | | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 90–135 | 84–130 | 167–260 | 167–260 | 148–194 | | Modulus of Elasticity (N/mm²) | 128000 | 130000 | 132000 | 132000 | 127000 | | Fatigue Resistance (N/mm²) | 300 | 300 | 240 | 240 | 250 | | Electrical Conductivity (%IACS) | 25 | 25 | 63 | 50 | 38 | | Magnetic Permeability (u=1+4) | 1.000042 | 1.000042 | 1.000031 | 1.000031 | 1.000027 | | Modulus of Rigidity (N/mm²) | 49000 | 50000 | 52000 | 52000 | 49000 | | Poisson’s Ratio | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | --- ### Applications of Beryllium Copper in Telecommunications Beryllium copper is widely used in telecommunications equipment due to its excellent electrical and mechanical properties. Some key applications include: | Application | Purpose | |-------------|---------| | **Connectors and Contacts** | Ensure reliable signal transmission and long-term durability | | **Switches and Relays** | Provide excellent conductivity and resistance to wear | | **Heat Sinks** | Help dissipate heat in high-performance devices | | **Shielding** | Reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) | | **Spring Contacts** | Maintain stable contact over time in circuit boards | | **Grounding** | Minimize electrical noise and improve safety | | **Terminals and Clips** | Provide secure and durable electrical connections | In conclusion, beryllium copper is a versatile and essential material in both electronics and telecommunications, offering a unique balance of strength, conductivity, and durability. Its use continues to expand as technology advances and demands for more efficient and reliable components grow.

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Changzhou Dahua-Luckypower , https://www.czluckypowertech.com

June 27, 2025