C17410 Beryllium Copper – Composition, Properties, and Uses
C17410 beryllium copper, also known as alloy 174, is a copper alloy that contains beryllium as the primary alloying element. It is a high-strength and high-conductivity alloy that offers excellent resistance to wear and tear, corrosion, and fatigue. While it is commonly used in numerous industries, many must know its properties, applications, and characteristics. This blog post dives deeper into all aspects of C17410 beryllium copper, including its composition, physical and mechanical properties, uses, hardness, heat treatment, welding, and corrosion resistance.
C17410 Beryllium Copper Composition
C17410 beryllium copper is an alloy that typically contains 0.5% to 2.0% beryllium and around 0.2% to 0.6% cobalt. It also contains small amounts of nickel, iron, and other elements. The alloy’s high copper content provides excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, while adding beryllium enhances its mechanical properties, making it a high-strength alloy.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Cobalt, Co | 0.35-0.6 |
| Silicon, Si | 0.2 |
| Aluminum, Al | 0.2 |
| Iron, Fe | 0.2 |
| Beryllium, Be | 0.15-0.50 |
| Copper, Cu | Balance |
C17410 Beryllium Copper Physical Properties
The physical properties of C17410 beryllium copper include a high melting point, good thermal conductivity, excellent electrical conductivity, and high flexibility. When annealed, it exhibits a reddish-brown colour with a specific gravity of 8.36. The alloy’s thermal expansion coefficient is relatively low, which makes it suitable for applications with high-temperature variations.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.8 g/cm3 | 0.318 lb/in3 |
| Melting point | 1024°C | 1875°F |
C17410 Beryllium Copper Mechanical Properties
C17410 beryllium copper has excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, hardness, and toughness. Its strength and hardness increase as the beryllium content increases. Moreover, it exhibits great fatigue strength and high wear resistance, making it a preferred material for industries that require resistance to high-pressure and heavy loads.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 750 – 900 MPa | 109000 – 131000 ksi |
| Yield strength | 650 – 870 MPa | 94300 – 126000 ksi |
| Modulus of elasticity | 138 GPa | 20000 ksi |
| Elongation | 7.0 – 17 % | 7.0 – 17 % |
| Hardness, Rockwell B | 95 – 102 | 95 – 102 |
| Hardness, Vickers | 210 – 278 | 210 – 278 |
C17410 Beryllium Copper Thermal Properties
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion co-efficient (@20-200°C/68-392°F) | 18 µm/m°C | 10 µin/in°F |
| Thermal conductivity | 230 W/mK | 1600 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
C17410 Beryllium Copper Uses
C17410 beryllium copper is a versatile alloy used in numerous applications. It is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, defence, and marine industries, where high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance are required. The alloy’s excellent wear resistance suits it in high-stress situations where friction is a significant factor, such as bearings, bushings, and gears. It is also commonly used in switches, connectors, and springs because of its high electrical conductivity.
C17410 Beryllium Copper Hardness and Heat Treatment
C17410 beryllium copper has a high hardness and can be heat treated to further enhance its strength and toughness. Heat treatment involves heating the alloy to a specific temperature and cooling it rapidly to achieve the desired properties. The hardness can be increased by ageing the alloy at room temperature or through a natural ageing process. The heat treatment process must be closely monitored to prevent over-ageing, which can result in reduced strength and flexibility.
C17410 Beryllium Copper Welding and Corrosion Resistance
C17410 beryllium copper can be welded using techniques like gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and resistance welding with proper precautions. The alloy’s excellent corrosion resistance makes it ideal for corrosive environments. However, it must be used cautiously in certain environments, such as those with high ammonia content, as it can experience stress corrosion cracking at elevated temperatures.
Conclusion:
C17410 beryllium copper is a high-strength, high-conductivity alloy with superior wear, tear, corrosion, and fatigue resistance. Its unique composition makes it suitable for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, defence, and marine. The alloy’s properties, such as hardness, electrical conductivity, and heat-treatability, make it a preferred material for high-stress and friction applications. Moreover, the alloy’s corrosion-resistant properties make it ideal for corrosive environments. By understanding the properties, composition, and applications of C17410 beryllium copper, you can make the most of its unique properties and use it effectively in your industry or application.
Meet Bhavesh, a seasoned blogger with a wealth of knowledge and experience. From metal products manufacturing to retail, Bhavesh has a diverse background in various industries and is dedicated to sharing his insights and expertise with readers.
