Beryllium Copper In The Electronics And Telecommunications Industry

Beryllium Copper In The Electronics And Telecommunications Industry

Beryllium Copper, commonly known as BeCu, plays a vital role in the electronics and telecommunications industries. It's estimated that approximately half of all Beryllium Copper produced is utilized in these sectors for manufacturing essential equipment such as telecommunication infrastructure machines, computers, and mobile phones. These devices allow us to stay connected and communicate efficiently. Its unique properties, including excellent conductivity and durability, make it indispensable in modern technology. Without Beryllium Copper, our ability to maintain constant communication would be severely compromised.

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 is used in fiber optic cables

The C17200 grade of Beryllium Copper is extensively used in fiber optic cables due to its impressive characteristics. These features ensure smooth functionality and long-term reliability. High tensile strength: This alloy exhibits excellent tensile strength, thanks to precipitation hardening, enabling it to withstand extreme bending pressures without deformation.

  • Superior electrical conductivity: It offers remarkable electrical conductivity, making it ideal for handling high current applications.
  • Formability: As an age-hardening material, it can be molded into intricate shapes with ease. Post-stamping or molding, it requires no additional heat treatment, providing a perfect balance between strength and formability.
  • Outstanding fatigue strength: It demonstrates exceptional fatigue strength, which is crucial for components exposed to continuous rotational pressure.
  • Corrosion resistance: Its superior corrosion resistance safeguards it from abrasive and harsh environments, ensuring prolonged lifespan.
  • Heat resistance: It maintains its mechanical properties even under elevated temperatures, reducing performance degradation.

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 exhibit high strength, hardness and electrical conductivity

BeCu Electrical Conductivity

C (%IACS) = 1.7241/p20 x 100

where ρ20 (µΩ • cm) is the alloy's electrical resistivity 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 is resistant to corrosion, radiation and heat

This alloy boasts exceptional corrosion resistance and is highly resistant to stress corrosion, making it superior to materials like brass or nickel silver. It also provides better corrosion protection than copper-nickel or aluminum bronze when exposed to seawater. Consequently, it is considered an ideal material where both corrosion resistance and mechanical strength are required simultaneously. An oxide layer forms on its surface during age hardening, acting as a protective coating. This enhances its resistance to high temperatures.

C17200 Beryllium Copper Heat Treatment Process

Beryllium Copper Heat Treatment Process

There are two main stages involved in the heat treatment process:

1] Solution Annealing 2] Age precipitation
  • Prepares the piece of beryllium copper for age hardening
  • Dissolves beryllium in the copper matrix to create a solid solution
  • Soaking Temperature: 750-800°C (1380-1470°F)
  • Soaking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (based on alloy composition and material thickness)
  • Cooling: Rapid quenching 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: Room temperature
Refer to the chemical composition and mechanical properties of BeCu alloy

Understanding its properties will help determine its suitability for various conditions. The following table provides comprehensive information about its mechanical and chemical characteristics. Its mechanical properties indicate high strength and excellent corrosion resistance.

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 310 MPa 483 MPa 310 MPa 469 MPa
Yield strength 965 – 1205 MPa 172 MPa 32100 – 170000 psi 172 MPa 145000 – 175000 psi
Elongation 15.0 – 30.0% 28% 45% 28% 48%
C17510 BeCu has a conductivity rating of 15-30%

While not as conductive as pure copper, it remains an excellent conductor. Its remarkable strength and hardness make it highly sought-after for applications requiring high thermal and electrical conductivity.

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% on 25mm (%) 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) (10⁻⁸ Ω.m) (x10⁶/°C) (g/cm³) (W/m.K) (N/mm²) (N/mm²) (%IACS) (μ=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 (μ=1+4)    
B165 0.1 890-1000 7.8 17.5 8.35 90-135 128000 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 50000 0.3
B8 0.1 1005-1070 3.1 17.6 8.75 167-260 132000 240 63 1.000031 52000 0.3
B14 0.1 1030-1070 3.8 18 8.75 167-260 132000 240 50 1.000031 52000 0.3
B7 0.1 1050-1085 5.4 17.6 8.71 148-194 127000 250 38 1.000027 49000 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) shielding
Spring Contacts For longevity in circuit boards
Grounding Reducing electrical noise and improving safety
Terminals and Clips Secure electrical connections

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