The reason why beryllium copper (abbreviated as BeCu) is expensive is determined by the scarcity of its raw materials, complex manufacturing process, high technical threshold, strict safety and environmental protection requirements, as well as its high-end application scenarios. Here is a systematic analysis:

Core raw material - Beryllium is extremely rare and costly

Beryllium is a rare metal with an extremely low content in the earth's crust. Its global reserves are concentrated in a few countries such as the United States, China, and Russia. The mining and purification process is very difficult.

The price of beryllium concentrate has been continuously rising in recent years. In 2025, the international market price of beryllium concentrate increased by approximately 35% compared to the previous year, directly pushing up the cost of the alloy.

The market price of beryllium is close to that of precious metals, approximately 5-6 yuan per gram (equivalent to the price of silver). Even if beryllium copper contains only 1.7%-2.0% beryllium, its raw material cost still accounts for a very high proportion.

The production process is complex, with high energy consumption and technical requirements.

Beryllium copper requires going through multiple highly precise processes:

Vacuum melting: To prevent beryllium oxidation, inert gas protection is required;

Homogenization heat treatment: To eliminate component segregation;

Cold/hot rolling forming;

Solution treatment + precise aging hardening (temperature control error needs to be < ±5°C) .

Any deviation in any step will lead to non-compliance with performance standards. This high energy consumption, high equipment investment, and high quality control requirements significantly increase the manufacturing cost .

Stringent safety and environmental regulations increase compliance costs

Beryllium is classified as a toxic heavy metal. Inhaling its dust can cause irreversible chronic berylliosis (CBD), which is a key focus in occupational disease prevention and control.

Production enterprises must be equipped with negative pressure workshops, efficient dust removal, air monitoring systems, and employee health tracking systems, meeting the strict limits for beryllium compounds in the "Comprehensive Emission Standards for Air Pollutants" (such as ≤ 0.012 mg/m³).

Waste recycling and disposal also require special qualifications, further increasing operational costs.

High-end applications drive high value-added pricing

Beryllium copper is widely used in fields with extremely strict performance requirements:

Aerospace: Missile guidance components, satellite structural parts;

Electronic communication: 5G high-frequency connectors, mobile phone clips;

Explosion-proof tools: Spark-free wrenches for oil and mining industries;

Precision molds: Injection mold inserts, requiring high thermal conductivity + wear resistance + anti-adhesion.

These industries are willing to pay premiums for reliability, lifespan and safety, which supports the high price of beryllium copper.