
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

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 Ï20 (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

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

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

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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