Copper is widely known as a soft and malleable metal. A copper alloy, on the other hand, offers users a wide variety of useful combinations of mechanical properties. Copper alloys offer users adaptability that is not available with all alloy systems. Frequently, high copper and copper alloys are used for wires, cables, electrical contacts, and a slew of other components that carry electrical currents. In the above applications, alloys must have low to moderate tensile strength while maintaining stress relaxation resistance and reasonable thermal stability. Grain refinement maximizes strength, conductivity, and ductility when using alloys with a dispersed second phase.
Beryllium Copper
Beryllium copper alloys can be strengthened through cold work or by a solid solution addition that will enhance strain hardening. When operating with annealed conditions, the tensile strength and yield inversely vary with grain size. By alloying elements on to copper, it increases the overall tensile strength, the yield strength, and the hardening work rate. The effectiveness of alloy materials differs in the characteristics provided. For instance, strength can be increased while work hardening is also increased. There is a spectrum of possibilities and combinations. Knowing desired applications and use allows for optimal purchases to be made, like acquiring 521 alloy. Typical alloys include beryllium copper, carbon steel, and zinc.
Related Reading:
- Unique Characteristics of Beryllium Copper
Beryllium copper (BeCu) is a commonly used alloy. Most can gather that it is an excellent material because of the price point, but what makes this alloy so unique? BeCu has many properties that make it a valuable and versatile metal product.
- Difference Between Beryllium Copper and Copper
- Options for Wire Plating
- Corrosion Resistance and Beryllium Copper Wires