In the quest for cost reduction, procurement managers often ask: "C17200 is too expensive. C26000 Brass is also strong and yellow. Can we just switch to Brass?"
If you are making a doorknob, yes.
If you are making an electrical connector or a spring contact, absolutely not.
While both alloys look similar and possess good mechanical strength, they behave completely differently under load over time. This article explains the critical engineering difference between "Static Strength" (Brass) and "Dynamic Memory" (Beryllium Copper).
The Contenders: Composition & Cost
C26000 (Cartridge Brass):
Formula: ~70% Copper + 30% Zinc.
Cost: Low. It is a commodity alloy.
Character: Ductile, easy to deep draw, moderate strength.
C17200 (Beryllium Copper):
Formula: ~98% Copper + 1.8-2.0% Beryllium.
Cost: Very High (often 5x-8x of Brass).
Character: The "King of Copper Alloys." Can be heat-treated to match the strength of tool steel.
The Deal-Breaker: Stress Relaxation (Why Brass Springs Fail)
Here is the nightmare scenario: You design a battery contact using C26000 Brass. It feels stiff and works perfectly on Day 1.
Six months later, the customer complains the device is turning off intermittently. Why?
This is called Stress Relaxation.
C26000 Brass: When held under tension (like a clipped spring) for a long time, the metal atoms rearrange to relieve the stress. The spring slowly "forgets" its original shape and loses its grip force. Heat accelerates this process significantly.
C17200 BeCu: It has exceptional elastic memory. It resists stress relaxation even at elevated temperatures (up to 150°C-200°C). It maintains distinct contact pressure for millions of cycles.
Rule of Thumb:
Does the part just sit there? (e.g., A screw, a standoff, a housing) -> Use C26000.
Does the part need to flex, grip, or bounce back? -> Use C17200.
Data Showdown
Physical Properties
| Property | C26000 (Brass) | C17200 (BeCu) - Aged |
| Yield Strength | 300 - 500 MPa | 900 - 1200 MPa |
| Elastic Modulus | ~110 GPa | ~130 GPa |
| Electrical Conductivity | 28% IACS | 22% - 25% IACS |
| Max Service Temp | < 100°C (Relaxes fast) | ~200°C (Stable) |
| Fatigue Strength | Low | Excellent |
Manufacturing: Deep Drawing vs. Age Hardening
C26000: The Deep Drawing Champion
C26000 is named "Cartridge Brass" because it was originally designed for bullet casings. It has amazing ductility. You can stamp it into deep, complex cup shapes without cracking. It is usually supplied in "Quarter Hard" or "Half Hard" temper and used as-is.
C17200: The Heat Treat Miracle
C17200 is often supplied in a soft (annealed) or quarter-hard state, allowing you to form/stamp it easily.
The Magic Step: After forming, you put the parts in a furnace (Age Hardening). The material transforms, becoming incredibly hard and springy. Brass cannot do this.
When to "Downgrade" to Brass?
You don't always need the Ferrari (C17200). You can safely use C26000 Brass if:
High Current is NOT involved: (Low risk of heat generation).
Cycle count is low: e.g., A plug that is inserted once and never moved.
Geometry relies on friction, not spring force: e.g., Threaded terminals.
Cost is the only driver: And you accept a higher field failure rate.
Summary for Engineers
C26000 (Brass) is a Construction Material. It builds the structure.
C17200 (BeCu) is a Performance Material. It provides the function.
Don't risk your brand reputation to save $0.02 per part. If it needs to act like a spring, specify C17200.
Need a middle ground?
Ask GNEE about C51900 (Phosphor Bronze). It offers better spring properties than Brass but is much cheaper than Beryllium Copper. It's the perfect "Tier 2" choice.
Product Forms We Can Provide
| Product Category | Material Standards | Common Alloys | Key Specifications (Can be Customized) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes | ASTM B75, B88, B280,B111; EN 12449, 12451; DIN EN 12735; JIS H3300 | C10100 (OFE), C11000 (ETP), C12200 (DHP), C23000, C70600,C71500 | OD: 3mm - 300mm Wall Thickness: 0.5mm - 20mm Temper: Soft (O), Half-Hard (H50), Hard (H80) Form: Straight Lengths, Coils, U-Bends |
| Copper Sheets / Plates | ASTM B152, B248, B248M; EN 1652; DIN 1787; JIS H3100, H3250 | C10100 (OFE), C11000, C10200 (OF), C26000, C86200 | Thickness: 0.3mm - 100mm Width: Up to 1200mm Length: Up to 3000mm (or coils) Surface: Mill, Polished, Brushed |
| Copper Rods / Bars | ASTM B187, B301, B411; EN 12163, 12164; DIN 17672; JIS H3250 | C10100 (OFE), C11000, C14500, C36000, C63000 | Diameter/Rect. Size: 3mm - 300mm Shape: Round, Square, Hexagonal, Rectangular Condition: Drawn, Extruded, Hot Rolled |
| Copper Wires | ASTM B1, B2, B3, B258; EN 13601; IEC 60228; JIS H3100 | C10100 (OFE), C11000, C14420, C14500 | Diameter: 0.1mm - 20mm Temper: Soft, Annealed, Hard-Drawn Form: Bare, Tinned, Stranded, on Spools |
| Copper Foils / Strips | ASTM B103, B370; EN 1652; DIN 1787; JIS H3100 | C10100 (OFE), C10200, C11000, C19400, C26800 | Thickness: 0.02mm - 2.0mm Width: Up to 600mm Temper: Rolled, Annealed |
| CNC Machining Parts | As per Customer Drawing/Req. | All Common Copper Alloys (including C10100, C11000, C86200, etc.) | Process: Turning, Milling, Drilling, Tapping Tolerance: ±0.005mm - ±0.1mm Post-Processing: Deburring, Polishing, Plating |
Our factory
Our manufacturing facility operates a comprehensive and modern production line, equipped with advanced continuous casting, precision rolling, high-speed drawing, and multi-axis CNC machining centers, enabling us to process copper and copper alloys (such as C10100, C11000, C12200, C71500,C70600 etc.) into a full range of products including tubes, sheets, rods, wires, and foils. To ensure top-tier quality, we have implemented a rigorous in-process and final inspection system, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment such as spectrometers for material verification, digital tensile testers for mechanical property checks, precision dimensional gauges, and eddy current or ultrasonic testers for defect detection, guaranteeing that every product meets or exceeds international standards such as ASTM, EN, and JIS, as well as specific customer requirements.
