C17200 Beryllium Copper Composition
The alloy contains approximately 2% beryllium, giving it superior corrosion resistance compared to other copper alloys. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where exposure to harsh chemicals may be expected. Additionally, beryllium copper 172 is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, which can cause failure in other materials when exposed to hydrogen at high pressures and temperatures.
| Chemistry Information | |
| Element | Percentage |
| Be | 1.9 |
| Co | 0.2 |
| Cu | 97.9 |
Alloy 172 Physical Properties
Beryllium copper 172 has an impressive range of physical properties. It has a high elastic limit, excellent wear resistance, and toughness. Its high tensile strength makes it ideal for applications requiring superior performance under harsh conditions, such as oil rigs and drilling platforms. Additionally, UNS C17200 low thermal expansion makes it suitable for use in aerospace applications such as aircraft engines.
| Physical Properties 172 | |||||
| Density | 0.298 lb/in3 | ||||
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 84.8-115 ksi | ||||
| Yield Tensile Strength | 74.7-105 ksi | ||||
| Fatigue Strength | 37 ksi | ||||
| Shear Strength | 64 ksi | ||||
| Shear Modulus | 6,500 ksi | ||||
| Hardness Rockwell | Brinell | B88-102 | 176-253 | ||||
| Elongation at Break Percentage | 10-20% | ||||
| Modulus of Elasticity | 18,100-18,900 ksi | ||||
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.30 | ||||
| Machinability Percentage | 20% | ||||
| Melting Point | 1,590-1,800 °F | ||||
| Specific Heat | 1.0 x 10^-1 BTU/lb-°F | ||||
| Thermal Conductivity | 729-902 BTU-in/hr-ft^2-°F | ||||
| Electrical Conductivity | 22% IACS | ||||
Beryllium Copper 172 Mechanical Properties
The alloy 172 can withstand extreme loads due to its high yield strength and impact toughness. It also boasts excellent fatigue resistance, allowing it to endure cyclic loading without permanent deformation or failure. This makes it an ideal choice for components that require consistent performance over long periods, such as springs or fasteners used in extreme environments like aerospace or automotive manufacturing plants.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
| Hardness, Rockwell B | 80.0 – 85.0 | 80.0 – 85.0 |
| Tensile strength, ultimate | 515 – 585 MPa | 74700 – 84800 psi |
| Tensile strength, yield | 275 – 345 MPa | 39900 – 50000 psi |
| Elongation at break | 15.0 – 30.0% | 15.0 – 30.0% |
| Modulus of elasticity | 125 – 130 GPa | 18100 – 18900 ksi |
| Poissons ratio | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Machinability (UNS C36000 (free-cutting brass) = 100) | 20% | 20% |
| Shear modulus | 50.0 GPa | 7250 ksi |
C17200 Beryllium Copper Equivalent
AMS 4651
AMS 4725
ASTM B194
ASTM B196
ASTM B197
ASTM B570
MIL C-21657
SAE J461
SAE J463
UNS C17200
C17200 Beryllium Copper Applications
Electrical Components
Fasteners
Industrial Pumps
Bearings
Firing Pins
Non-Sparking Safety Tools
Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Specifications
| Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Bar | AMS 4650, 4651, 4533, ASTM B194, B196, MILITARY MIL-C-21657, SAE J463, J461 |
| Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Extrusions | ASTM B570 |
| Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Forgings | AMS 4650, ASTM B570 |
| Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Plate | ASTM B194 |
| Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Rod | AMS 4650, 4534, 4533, 4651, ASTM B196, MILITARY MIL-C-21657, SAE J463, J461 |
| Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Rod, Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Forging | AMS 4650 |
| Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Sheet | ASTM B194 |
| Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Strip | ASTM B194, SAE J463, J461 |
| Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Tube, Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Seamless | AMS 4535, ASTM B643 |
| Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200 Wire | AMS 4725, ASTM B197, SAE J463, J461 |
C17200 Beryllium Copper Corrosion Resistance
Adding beryllium gives the alloy superior corrosion resistance compared to other UNS C17200, making it suitable for use in marine applications or any environment where exposure to salt water may be a concern. Additionally, the lack of iron content means that beryllium copper 172 does not suffer from galvanic corrosion when exposed to dissimilar metals such as stainless steel and aluminum which can cause premature failure in other materials when subjected to similar conditions.
Machinability
The machinability rate of C172 copper alloys is 20%.
Heat Treatment & Heat Resistance
Beryllium copper 172 can be heat treated using various methods, including solution heat treatment and ageing treatments. These help maximize hardness while maintaining ductility levels throughout the whole part's service life cycle, making it suitable for parts requiring tight tolerances or intricate shapes. Additionally, beryllium copper C17200 offers exceptional heat resistance up to 800°C (1472°F). This makes it ideal for soldering or welding applications, such as electronic components or automotive exhaust systems, where typical materials may fail due to excessive temperatures during operation cycles.
