Beryllium Copper C17300
Beryllium copper alloy 173 (BeCu) is a free-machining copper alloy, ideal for parts that require very high strength and stiffness. It has excellent electrical conductivity and is one of the highest strength copper alloys. Beryllium copper is also suitable for environments that require high corrosion resistance, such as marine environments.
BeCu 173 has a machining cost factor of 1.0 when compared to steel 12L14, making it a better economic choice than BeCu 172. It is good for soldering, brazing, welding, and hot and cold working, but is not ideal for forging. BeCu can be annealed.
Industries & Applications
- Electrical contacts
- Fasteners
- Valve components
- Pump components
Copper Parts Gallery
Beryllium Copper 173 Characteristics
|
TEMPER |
Yield Strength |
Ultimate Tensile Strength |
Modulus of Elasticity |
Brinell Hardness (500kg/10mm) |
|
TD04 |
90 |
105 |
19,000 |
175 |
|
TF00 |
130 |
182 |
19,000 |
39 Rockwell C |
|
TH04 |
175 |
190 |
19,000 |
102 |
Copper Cost Comparison
| Type | General Characteristics | Alloy | Common Applications | Tolerances for a 1/2" Dia. Bar | Material Cost Factor | Machining Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Alloys |
Excellent electrical conductivity and the strength
|
BeCu C17300 |
Marine environments, Electrical contacts, Fasteners, Valve components, Pump components
|
+.002 | 21.6 | 1 |
Common Material Cost Comparison
| Type | General Characteristics | Alloy | Common Applications | Tolerances for a 1/2" Dia. Bar | Material Cost Factor | Machining Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel |
Designed for excellent machinability. Case hard only
|
12L14 |
Endless commercial products; probably more pounds used in turned products than any other bar stock
|
Cold drawn 0 |
1 | 1 |
| Stainless Steel |
Designed for machining, non-magnetic
|
303 |
Electronic hardware, automotive, aerospace, medical instruments, and many applications requiring corrosion resistance
|
Cold finished +/- .002 |
1.9 | 2.7 |
| Brass |
Strength, corrosion and wear resistance, and excellent machinability
|
C35300 |
Well suited for parts with knurling or threading
|
+0015 | 3.5 | .07 |
| Aluminum |
Designed for machining
|
2011 |
Electronic hardware, endless commercial products
|
Cold finish +/-.0015 |
3.8 | .6 |
| Titanium |
High strength, light weight, good bio-compatibility
|
Ti-6Al-4VEli |
Medical implants
|
Ground & polished +/-.002 |
30.2 | 6 |
To review our Machining Materials Guide, please click here.
