Beryllium Copper
Beryllium Copper (BeCu) – Highest-Strength Copper Alloy for Precision Springs and Non-Sparking Tools
Beryllium copper (Cu-Be, 1.8–2% Be) is the highest-strength copper alloy available, achieving tensile strengths up to 1380 MPa in spring temper while retaining approximately 50% IACS electrical conductivity. This combination is uniquely achievable in no other alloy — making BeCu the only viable choice for high-cycle precision springs, electrical contacts, and non-sparking tools in explosive or flammable environments.
Key Properties
- Tensile Strength: 1380 MPa (spring temper)
- Electrical Conductivity: ~50% IACS
- Hardness: 380 HB
- Density: 8.25 g/cm³
- Health Warning: Beryllium dust is a severe respiratory hazard — respiratory protection required during machining
- Standards: ASTM B196 / AMS 4534
Common Applications
High-cycle electrical contact springs, RF and microwave connectors, non-sparking safety tools for oil and gas, precision aerospace instruments, and diaphragms for high-cycle pressure-sensing devices.
Material properties
| Material name | Beryllium Copper |
|---|---|
| Type | Other Metals |
| Standard code | ASTM B196 / AMS 4534 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 1380 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | 1210 |
| Fatigue strength (MPa) | 517 |
| Elongation (%) | 2 |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 380 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.25 |
| Electrical resistivity (µΩ·in) | 6.9 |
| Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) | 105 |
| Melting range (°C) | 866–982 |
| Weldability | Fair |
| Formability | Good |
| Shear modulus | 50 |
| Industry code | beryllium_copper |