Beryllium Copper - Uses

Uses

Beryllium copper is a non-ferrous alloy used in springs, spring wire, load cells and other parts that must retain their shapes during periods in which they are subjected to repeated stress and strain. Due to its electrical conductivity, it is used in low-current contacts for batteries and electrical connectors.

Because beryllium copper is non-sparking but physically tough and nonmagnetic, it is used to make tools that can safely be used in environments where there are explosive vapors and gases, such as on oil rigs. Beryllium copper fulfills the demands of ATEX directive for use in Zone 0, 1, and 2. Various tool types are available, including screwdrivers, pliers, spanners, cold chisels and hammers. An alternative metal sometimes used for non-sparking tools is aluminium bronze. Compared to tools made of steel, beryllium copper tools are more expensive, are not as strong, and wear out more quickly. However, the advantages of using beryllium copper in hazardous explosive environments outweigh these disadvantages.

Beryllium copper is frequently used in the manufacture of professional-quality percussion instruments, especially tambourine and triangle, where it is prized for its clear tone and strong resonance. Unlike most other materials, an instrument composed of beryllium copper will maintain a consistent tone and timbre for as long as the material resonates. The "feel" of such instruments is rich and melodious to the point that they seem out of place when used in darker, more rhythmic pieces of classical music.

Beryllium copper has found use in ultra-low temperature cryogenic equipment, such as dilution refrigerators, because of its combination of mechanical strength and relatively high thermal conductivity in this temperature range.

Beryllium copper has been used for armour piercing bullets, though any such usage is unusual because bullets made from steel alloys are much less expensive, but have similar properties.

Beryllium copper is used for measurement-while-drilling tools in the directional (slant drilling) drilling industry. A non-magnetic alloy is required, as magnetometers are used for field-strength data received from the tool.

Beryllium copper gaskets are used to create an RF-tight (resistant to radio frequency leakage), electronic seal on doors used with EMC testing and anechoic chambers.

For a time, beryllium copper was used in the manufacture of golf clubs, with emphasis on wedges and putters. Many golfers prefer the soft feel of BeCu club heads, particularly for chip shots and putts around and on the green, where an extra measure of control is desired. Due to regulatory issues and high costs, BeCu clubs are difficult to find in current production, so vintage and pre-owned examples remain in demand.

Beryllium copper wire is produced in many forms: round, square, flat and shaped, in coils, on spools and in straight lengths. Beryllium copper wire is resistant to non-oxidizing acids (for example, hydrochloric acid, or carbonic acid), to plastic decomposition products, to abrasive wear and to galling. Furthermore, it can be heat-treated, age hardened and tempered to improve its strength, durability, and electrical conductivity.

Little Falls Alloys Corp. pioneered this metal as spring wire since its commercial inception and has led in its development since 1943.

Beryllium copper valve seats, and valve guides are used in high performance four-stroke engines using coated titanium valves. The use of BeCu dissipates heats from the valve up to 7 times as quickly then that of powdered steel or iron seats & guides. The softer BeCu seats also cushions the valve which helps in reducing wear of the coating of TI valves thus increasing valve life.