Beryllium copper wire is widely seen as a valuable and price-effective material. Many characteristics make this material a more intelligent choice than many other similar materials. What are the characteristics that make beryllium copper so valuable and so versatile? Why is this such a great metal product?
Primarily, beryllium copper has high levels of strength. It is often used within cryogenic equipment to maintain its strength in harsh conditions. This alloy comes in two classes to meet the unique demands of manufacturers: high-conductivity and high-strength. The tensile strength of high-strength beryllium copper can exceed 200,000 psi without sacrificing thermal or electrical conductivity.
As mentioned above, Beryllium copper wire is known for its thermal and electrical properties. The material is an effective transmitter of both electricity and heat, so as a result, it is often found in computer components and electronic connectors. It is also widely used within the telecommunications industry because the alloy is non-sparking. The high conductivity variant of copper beryllium offers the best conductivity levels but at a lower tensile strength than the high strength variant.
Beryllium copper wire is ideal for non-magnetic applications. Beryllium copper wire is unaffected within magnetic fields.
Beryllium copper lends itself to being hardened or softened depending on the user’s needs. Different heat treatment processes are applied to the alloy to give it designated characteristics regarding its hardness. When heat-treated to become rigid, beryllium copper matches the hardness of high-grade alloy steels without sacrificing other essential characteristics like corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.