Metals & alloys · Copper alloys
C17200 beryllium copper
A precipitation-hardenable copper–beryllium alloy combining high strength, conductivity, non-sparking behaviour and resistance to fatigue and relaxation.
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01
Overview
- Material class
- Metals & alloys
- Category
- Copper alloys
- Family
- Copper Alloy
- Product forms
- Sheet/plate, Bar/rod
Composition
| Constituent | Min | Max | Typical | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be | 1.8 | 2 | 1.9 | |
| Co+Ni | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.35 | |
| Cu | Balance |
02
Properties and conditions
Engineering properties
| Property | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.25 | g/cm³ | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Elastic modulus | 128 | GPa | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Electrical conductivity | 22–28 | % IACS | aged |
| Yield strength | 900–1200 | MPa | aged |
| Tensile strength | 1100–1400 | MPa | aged |
| Hardness | 36–45 | HRC | aged |
Conditions
Peak aged
High-strength precipitation-hardened condition.
Solution annealed
Soft precursor condition.
03
Processing and use
Processing
- Solution treatment, cold work and ageing define the strength–conductivity balance.
- Dust and fume controls are mandatory during machining, grinding and welding.
Applications
- Connector springs
- Oilfield tools
- Mould inserts
- Aircraft bushings
Selection considerations
- Beryllium health hazards require strict industrial hygiene.
- Alternative Cu–Ni–Si alloys may be preferred where extreme strength is not needed.
Open in an analysis tool
04
Standards and related materials
Standards and designations
| System | Designation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | C17200 | |
| ASTM | B194 / B196 / B197 | product dependent |
| RWMA | Class 4 | selected resistance-welding uses |
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Sources and context
Sources
- Materion Alloy 25 / C17200 technical dataExisting reference
- ASTM B194Existing reference
- NASA materials selection resourcesApplication reference
- U.S. Department of Energy critical materials programStrategic reference
Confirm the applicable specification, product form and condition before using values for design or procurement.
Supply and sustainability
Specialist strip, bar and plate supply; regulatory controls affect processing.
High-value segregated recycling is possible, but beryllium-bearing scrap requires controlled handling.
Strategic context
Provides a rare combination of spring strength, conductivity and non-sparking performance in compact components.
Critical inputs: Beryllium, Copper
Basis: EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2024); USGS 2025 Critical Minerals List