Technical Data
The consumer electronics and telecommunications industries use a large amount of beryllium copper wire (BeCu). Without this specialized alloy, modern communication would not be as efficient or affordable. Modern communication could not exist without BeCu. For instance, the material is used when installing fiber-optic cables across the ocean, allowing for high-speed Internet connections. Think of how connected we are as a world because of advancements in telecommunication technology. Almost 99% of all international data is transmitted by cables that contain BeCu.
There are many reasons why engineers use this alloy over other material choices. People use beryllium copper wire because:
It is highly conductive- these wires are found inside televisions and thermostats because they offer high conductivity. Electrical conductivity derives from moving, electrically charged particles. Valence electrons can freely move within the atom, which allows the metal to conduct a strong electrical current. BeCu can harness this power, which makes it suitable for electrical components.
It is lightweight and thin- because of its strong characteristics, beryllium copper wire can be fabricated thinner and lighter than other materials like stainless steel. You can commonly find beryllium copper being used in small products and devices (micromotors, relays, connectors, switches). For added characteristics, consider plated wires.
People also use beryllium copper because it is:
- Thermally conductive
- Non-sparking
- Non-magnetic
- Has the ability to be used in hazardous environments
Beryllium Copper wire
It is hard to imagine a future where the entire world is not in every person’s back pocket, bag, or purse. The incredible advancements we’ve seen and will continue to see are created by talented engineers and scientist that use beryllium copper.
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