For any questions about our services you can call us at: +86-188-7042-1176
Beryllium Copper CNC Machining: High-Strength & Conductive Alloy
When a design requires the electrical and thermal conductivity of copper but demands the mechanical strength of high-grade alloy steel, Beryllium Copper (BeCu) is the ultimate metallurgical solution. Often referred to as spring copper or beryllium bronze, this unique age-hardenable alloy achieves the highest strength of any copper-based material. Furthermore, its completely non-magnetic and non-sparking properties make it indispensable in hazardous environments. At JUCHENG, we possess the specialized machining protocols required to safely and precisely process Beryllium Copper. From micro-machined electrical contacts to heavy-duty aerospace bushings and oil-field drilling components, we deliver BeCu parts that perform flawlessly under extreme stress and current.
Beryllium Copper

JUCHENG's Beryllium Copper Machining Capabilities

Machining BeCu requires a deep understanding of its heat-treatment phases and strict environmental health and safety (EHS) controls. We offer:
  • Safe Machining Protocols: Beryllium dust is hazardous. Our facility utilizes advanced high-pressure flood coolant systems and strict air filtration protocols to ensure wet-machining, completely suppressing any airborne particles during the milling and turning process.
  • Age-Hardening Expertise: We typically machine BeCu in its annealed (soft) or half-hard state for maximum precision, followed by a controlled precipitation age-hardening heat treatment to bring the part up to its peak hardness (up to 45 HRC) and maximum tensile strength.
  • Micro-Machining for Electronics: Leveraging the material's excellent fatigue strength, our high-RPM Swiss turning and 5-axis milling centers produce intricate, thin-walled RF connectors, burn-in sockets, and flexible spring contacts with micron-level tolerances.
  • Mold Insert Fabrication: Due to its exceptional thermal conductivity and hardness, we CNC machine BeCu into plastic injection mold cores and inserts, significantly reducing mold cooling cycle times compared to standard tool steels.
Beryllium Copper

Advantages of CNC Machining Beryllium Copper

Advantage Detailed Description Key Benefit
Ultimate Strength Achieves tensile strengths exceeding 1350 MPa after heat treatment, rivaling high-strength alloy steels. Perfect for heavy-duty aerospace landing gear bushings and high-stress springs.
Excellent Conductivity Maintains high electrical and thermal conductivity (up to 60% IACS depending on the grade). The gold standard for electrical connectors, switches, and battery contacts.
Non-Sparking & Non-Magnetic Does not generate sparks upon impact and is virtually invisible to magnetic fields. Mandatory for safety tools in oil rigs, explosive environments, and MRI machines.
Galling & Wear Resistance Resists severe wear, galling, and metal-to-metal friction. Extends the lifespan of sliding components, pump parts, and valve seats.
Fatigue Resistance Outstanding resistance to fatigue under repeated cyclic bending. Ideal for flexible metal diaphragms, bellows, and retaining clips.

Technical Parameters & Material Grades

We machine the two primary classes of Beryllium Copper to balance strength and conductivity:
Grade Category Specification Characteristics & Ideal Uses
High Strength BeCu (Alloy 25) C17200 / C17300 Characteristics: Contains ~1.9% Beryllium. Offers the highest mechanical strength and hardness of all copper alloys. Electrical conductivity is moderate (~22% IACS). C17300 adds lead for better machinability.
Uses: Directional drilling (MWD/LWD) housings, aerospace bearings, heavy-duty springs, mold cooling inserts.
High Conductivity BeCu (Alloy 3) C17510 / C17500 Characteristics: Contains ~0.4% Beryllium with added Nickel or Cobalt. Offers exceptionally high electrical and thermal conductivity (~45-60% IACS) with moderate yield strength.
Uses: High-current connectors, thermal transfer plates, resistance welding tips, switch relay parts.

CNC Machining Guidelines for BeCu

  • Machinability: In the annealed state, BeCu machines similarly to tool steel or tough bronzes. In the fully aged (hardened) state, it requires rigid setups, carbide tooling, and slower cutting speeds.
  • Coolant is Mandatory: Dry machining is strictly prohibited due to health risks associated with beryllium dust and to prevent the material from work-hardening. Copious amounts of water-soluble coolant are used continuously.
  • Stress Relieving: Complex parts requiring extensive material removal may distort. We perform stress-relieving cycles prior to final age-hardening to maintain strict geometric flatness and concentricity.
  • Surface Finishing: Cured parts polish beautifully to a bright, golden-red finish. They can also be readily plated with gold, silver, or tin for enhanced electronic performance.

Application Scenarios

  • Oil, Gas & Energy: Non-magnetic drill collars, measurement-while-drilling (MWD) components, non-sparking safety tools, wellhead valve components.
  • Aerospace & Defense: High-load bushings, landing gear pivot pins, pitot tube components, and anti-galling threaded inserts.
  • Electronics & Telecom: Burn-in test sockets, RF/Microwave connectors, EMI/RFI shielding gaskets, micro-motor commutators.
  • Plastic Molding: Injection mold hot runner nozzles, cooling pins, and core inserts (drastically reduces injection cycle time).

Physical Properties Table

Comparison: High Strength (C17200) vs. High Conductivity (C17510) - After Heat Treatment:
Property C17200 (High Strength) C17510 (High Conductivity) Unit
Density 8.25 8.83 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 1135 - 1460 680 - 900 MPa
Yield Strength 965 - 1200 550 - 750 MPa
Electrical Conductivity 22 - 28 45 - 60 % IACS
Thermal Conductivity 105 - 130 240 W/m-K
Hardness 36 - 42 HRC 95 - 100 HRB  -
 
Jucheng Precision Factory
Get High-Quality Parts for 20-30% Less – Request Your Free Quote Today!
ㆍFill in your requirements and upload your 2D&3D file, we will feedback your project quotation and DFM within 24 hours.
ㆍFile types: STEP, STP, IGES, IGS, SLDPRT, 3DM, SAT or X_T files File size: < 128 MB Part size: < 1500*1500*1500 mm
ㆍPrivacy: We respect your privacy. Here you can find an example of a non-disclosure agreement. By submitting this form, you agree to our terms & conditions and privacy policy.
Choose File
    Get A Quote And Solution
    Factory Address :
    Shenzhen: Fourth Industrial Zone, Xisha Road, Shajing Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen.
    Dongguan: Building 5 and 4, No. 198, Chang'an Section, Guanchang Road, Chang'an Town, Dongguan.
     
    Sales Office: 
    unit 1, Enterprise City,Durham DL16 6JF, united Kindom
     
     
    +86 - 186 - 8005 - 3076

    Capabilities

    CNC Machining
     
     
    Jucheng Precision ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949

    Resources

    Technical FAQ

    Company

    About Us
    Copyright © 2023 Jucheng Precision All rights reserved.