Beryllium Copper In The Electronics And Telecommunications Industry

Beryllium Copper In The Electronics And Telecommunications Industry

Beryllium copper plays a vital role in the electronics and telecommunications industry. According to studies, approximately half of all beryllium copper is used in this sector for manufacturing telecommunication infrastructure, computers, and mobile phones—enabling seamless communication. Its unique properties, such as high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, make it an essential material that supports modern technology. Without beryllium copper, many of the innovations we rely on today would not be possible.

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

Beryllium copper, specifically grade C17200, is widely used in fiber optic cables due to its exceptional properties. Here are some of the key features that make it ideal for this application:

  • High Tensile Strength: Through precipitation hardening, C17200 offers high tensile strength, making it capable of withstanding significant bending pressure without failure.
  • Good Electrical Conductivity: It provides excellent electrical conductivity, which is crucial for high-current applications.
  • Formability: Being age-hardenable, it can be easily shaped into complex forms without requiring additional heat treatment after molding.
  • Fatigue Resistance: This alloy exhibits remarkable fatigue strength, making it suitable for components that experience repeated stress or rotational forces.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Beryllium copper resists corrosion, offering protection against harsh environments and abrasive conditions.
  • Thermal Stability: It maintains its mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, even at elevated temperatures.

Applications of Beryllium Copper in Electronics

Applications of Beryllium Copper in Electronics

Electrical
Fuse Clips Electrical Switch / Relay Blades Switch Parts
Relay Parts Spring Connectors Connectors
Contact Bridges Current Carrying Belleville Washers
Clips Navigational Instruments  

Beryllium Copper Alloy Offers High Strength, Hardness, and Electrical Conductivity

BeCu Electrical Conductivity

C (%IACS) = 1.7241/p20 x 100

where ρ20 (µΩ • cm) is the electrical resistivity of the alloy at 20°C.

Berylco 14 & 8
Before ageing After standard ageing Mill hardened
22 to 25 % IACS 45 to 48 % IACS 45 to 65 % IACS*
Berylco 25 & 165
Before ageing After standard ageing Mill hardened
15 to 18 % IACS 22 to 23 % IACS 20 to 28 % IACS*

Grades of Beryllium Copper

  UNS C17200 UNS C17510 UNS C17000 UNS C17500 UNS C17300
Machinability rate 20% – 20% – 20%.
Weldability
  • Coated metal arc welding
  • Butt welding
  • Spot welding
  • Seam welding
  • Gas shielded arc welding
  • Seam welding
  • Butt welding
  • Gas shielded arc welding
  • Brazing
  • Brazing
  • Gas shielded arc welding
  • Coated metal arc welding
  • Soldering
  • Seam welding
  • Butt welding
  • Brazing
  • Soldering
  • Gas shielded arc welding
  • Brazing
  • Soldering
Forging temperature 649 to 816°C (1200 to 1500°F) 648 and 885°C (1200 and 1625°F) 649 to 816°C (1200 to 1500°F) 649 and 885°C (1200 and 1625°F) 649 to 816°C (1200 to 1500°F)
Hot Working Good Excellent Good Good hot forming capacity Good
Cold Working Excellent Excellent cold working capacity Excellent Excellent Excellent
Annealing 774 to 802°C (1425 to 1475°F) – 774 to 802°C (1425 to 1475°F) – 774 to 802°C (1425 to 1475°F).
Application
  • Electrical connectors
  • Current-carrying springs
  • Welding electrodes
  • Precision screw machined parts
  • Current-carrying springs
  • Precision screw machined parts
  • Bearings
  • Electrical/electronic connectors
  • Electrical/electronic connectors
  • Current-carrying springs
  • Electrical/electronic connectors
  • Corrosion resistant components
  • Bearings
  • Precision screw machined parts
  • Current-carrying springs

CDA 172 Beryllium Copper Resists Corrosion, Radiation, and Heat

CDA 172 beryllium copper is known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and radiation. Unlike other metals such as brass or nickel silver, it is less prone to stress corrosion. It also performs better than copper-nickel or aluminum bronze in seawater environments. This makes it ideal for applications where both corrosion resistance and mechanical strength are required. Additionally, a protective oxide layer forms during aging, enhancing its durability at high temperatures.

C17200 Beryllium Copper Heat Treatment Process

Beryllium Copper Heat Treatment Process

The heat treatment process for C17200 involves two main stages:

1] Solution Annealing 2] Age Precipitation
  • Prepares the material for age hardening by dissolving beryllium into the copper matrix.
  • Soaking temperature: 750-800°C (1380-1470°F)
  • Soaking time: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the alloy and thickness.
  • Cooling: Rapid cooling in water or oil.
  • Develops the desired strength and hardness.
  • Temperature: 300-400°C (570-750°F)
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours for high-strength applications.
  • Cooling: Allowed to cool to room temperature.
Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties of BeCu Alloy

Understanding the chemical composition and mechanical properties of beryllium copper is essential for determining its suitability for various applications. The following table provides detailed information about its characteristics, including high strength, good corrosion resistance, and thermal stability.

Beryllium Copper Alloys Composition

Alloys Designation   High Conductivity High Strength
NGK Berylco B14 B8 B7 B25 B33/25 B165
UNS C17510 C17510 C17530 C17200 C17300 C17000
ISO/ EN Symbol CuNi2Be CuNi2Be CuNi2Be CuBe2 CuBe2Pb CuBe1.7
ISO/ EN Number CW110C CW110C CW110C CW101C CW102C CW100C
Chemical Composition Beryllium (Be) 0.2-0.6 0.2-0.6 0.2-0.4 1.8-2.0 1.8-2.0 1.6-1.8
Cobalt (Co) – – – 0.3 max 0.3 max 0.3 max
Nickel(Ni) 1.8-2.5 1.4-2.2   – – –
Ni+Co – – 1.8-2.5 – – –
Co+Ni+Fe – –
 
– 0.6 max 0.6 max 0.6 max
Lead (pb) – – – – 0.2 min –
Al – – 0.6 max – – –
Cu 99.5 min 99.5 min 99.5 min 99.5 min 99.5 min 99.5 min

BeCu Mechanical Properties

  UNS C17200 UNS C17510 UNS C17000 UNS C17500 UNS C17300
Hardness (Rockwell B) 80.0 – 85.0 35 60 35 6
Tensile strength 1280 – 1480 MPa 310MPa 483MPa 310MPa 469MPa
Yield strength 965 – 1205 MPa 172MPa 32100 – 170000 psi 172MPa 145000 – 175000 psi
Elongation 15.0 – 30.0% 28% 45% 28% 48%
C17510 BeCu Has a Conductivity Rating of 15-30%

Though not as conductive as pure copper, C17510 beryllium copper offers excellent strength and hardness, making it highly sought after for applications requiring both thermal and electrical conductivity. It is often used in high-performance systems where reliability and durability are critical.

Cryogenic Temperatures Properties of Berylco 25

Cryogenic temperatures properties of Berylco 25

Solution annealed and precipitation hardened YS 0.2 (N/mm2) UTS (N/mm2) Young Modulus E (N/mm2) A% on25mm (%) Charpy Impact (N/mm2)
Temperature in °C – 100°C 1080 1380 131000 8 6.9
– 200°C 1170 1490 134000 9 9.6
20°C 980 1340 123000 5 5.5
– 150°C 1110 1400 131000 9 8.3

Beryllium Copper Alloys Physical Properties

Physical properties after precipitation hardening Specific heat Melting point Electrical resistivity p (maxi) Coefficient of linear expansion Density Thermal conductivity Modulus of elasticity Fatigue resistance Electrical conductivity Magnetic permeability Modulus of rigidity Poisson’s ratio
(Cal/(g.°C)) (C) .m at 20°C at 20° to 200°C (g/cm³) (W/m.K) (N/mm2) at 10 cycles (%IACS) (u=1+4) (N/mm2)
(Cal/(g.°C)) at 20°C   .m at 20°C at 20° to 200°C at 20°C at 20°C   at 10 cycles at 20°C (u=1+4)    
B165 0,1 890-1000 7,8 17,5 8.35 90-135 128 000 300 25 1.000042 49000 0,3
B25
B33/25
0,1 865-980 7,9 17,3 8,26 84-130 130000 300 25 1.000042 50 000 0,3
B8 0,1 1005-1070 3,1 17,6 8,75 167-260 132 000 240 63 1.000031 52 000 0,3
B14 0,1 1030-1070 3,8 18 8,75 167-260 132 000 240 50 1.000031 52 000 0,3
B7 0,1 1050-1085 5,4 17,6 8,71 148-194 127 000 250 38 1.000027 49 000 0,3

Applications of Beryllium Copper in Telecommunications

Applications of Beryllium Copper in Telecommunications

Telecommunication
Connectors and Contacts For reliable signal transmission and durability
Switches and Relays Excellent conductivity and wear resistance
Heat Sinks Manage heat in electronic devices
Shielding Offers efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection
Spring Contacts For longevity in circuit boards
Grounding Reduces electrical noise and improves safety
Terminals and Clips Secure electrical connections

Stainless Steel Wire Rope

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