Beryllium copper (BeCu), also known as beryllium bronze or spring copper, is a copper alloy with 0.5% to 3% beryllium. It is one of the highest-strength copper alloys available and offers an exceptional combination of mechanical and physical properties that make it highly sought after in demanding industrial applications.

Key Properties of Beryllium Copper

High Strength and Hardness
Beryllium copper achieves tensile strengths of up to 1,400 MPa after heat treatment, rivaling many steel alloys. Its hardness can reach 40 HRC, making it ideal for parts that must withstand heavy loads and repeated stress cycles.

Excellent Electrical and Thermal Conductivity
Unlike most high-strength metals, beryllium copper retains good electrical conductivity — typically 15–30% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). This makes it a preferred material for electrical connectors, switches, and relay springs where both strength and conductivity are needed.

Non-Sparking and Non-Magnetic
Beryllium copper does not spark when struck against hard surfaces, which is critical in environments where flammable gases or explosive materials are present. It is also non-magnetic, making it suitable for applications near sensitive electronic equipment.

Excellent Fatigue and Wear Resistance
The alloy exhibits outstanding fatigue resistance, maintaining performance under millions of load cycles. Its wear resistance also makes it suitable for high-friction components such as bushings and bearings.

Corrosion Resistance
Beryllium copper performs well in harsh environments, resisting oxidation, moisture, and many chemical agents. It is widely used in marine and oil and gas applications for this reason.

Common Uses of Beryllium Copper

Beryllium copper is used across a wide range of industries:

Electrical and Electronics: connector springs, switch contacts, relay parts, and circuit breaker components.
Oil and Gas: non-sparking tools, drill collars, and downhole instruments.
Aerospace and Defense: precision bushings, bearings, landing gear components.
Automotive: fuel injector parts, engine components, and high-precision sensors.
Mold Making: injection mold inserts and cores requiring high thermal conductivity.
Medical Devices: surgical instruments and diagnostic equipment components.

Standard Grades

The most common grades are C17200 (UNS) and 2.1293 (DIN), which offer the highest strength, and C17500/C17510 for applications where higher conductivity is prioritized over peak strength.

Beryllium copper is available in various forms including rod, plate, strip, tube, and wire to suit different manufacturing processes.

Contact us to learn more about our beryllium copper products and find the right grade for your application.