Technical overview
Beryllium copper alloys are heat-treatable: they can be formed in a softer condition and then age-hardened. C17200 (1.80–2.00% Be) is the high-strength grade used for springs, connectors, bearings and non-sparking tools.
C17510 uses far less beryllium (0.2–0.6%) with nickel, giving roughly double the conductivity of C17200 (48% vs 22% IACS listed by CDA) at lower strength. It is used for welding equipment, heavy-duty connectors and thermal-transfer parts.
Grades & standards
Grades are distinct materials — properties and uses below apply to the named grade only.
C17200
Copper Beryllium (high strength)
Composition: Be 1.80–2.00%, Ni + Co ≥ 0.20%, Cu + named elements ≥ 99.5%
- Heat treatable to very high strength
- High fatigue endurance and stress-relaxation resistance
- Springs, relay blades, connectors, bearings
Listed specifications: ASTM B196/B196M · ASTM B194 · ASTM B197/B197M · AMS 4533 / 4650 / 4651
C17510
Copper Beryllium (high conductivity)
Composition: Be 0.2–0.6%, Ni 1.4–2.2%
- 48% IACS listed
- Retains strength at elevated temperature
- Welding equipment, die-casting plunger tips, connectors
Listed specifications: ASTM B441 · ASTM B534 · ASTM B937
Technical properties
| Property | Value | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical conductivity | 22% IACS | C17200 (value listed by CDA; varies with temper) | Copper Development Association Inc. |
| Electrical conductivity | 48% IACS | C17510 | Copper Development Association Inc. |
| Melting range | 866–982 °C | C17200 | Copper Development Association Inc. |
| Specific gravity | 8.26 | C17200 | Copper Development Association Inc. |
Typical or specified values for the named grade from the cited source. Actual values depend on temper, size and the producing mill — rely on the mill certificate for your lot.
Forms
Typical industry forms for this material. They are not a stock list — form, size and availability are confirmed per enquiry.
- Rod & bar
- Strip
- Plate
- Wire
- Tube
Applications & industries
- Springs, Belleville washers and retaining rings
- Electrical connectors, relay and switch parts
- Bearings and bushings requiring galling resistance
- Resistance-welding equipment (C17510)
Selection notes & limitations
- Strength and conductivity depend heavily on temper and age-hardening — always specify the temper.
⚠ Beryllium handling
Solid beryllium copper in finished form is routinely handled, but machining, grinding, welding or melting can release beryllium-containing dust or fume. OSHA identifies inhalation of airborne beryllium and skin contact as exposure routes, linked to chronic beryllium disease and lung cancer. Request the Safety Data Sheet and follow local regulations.
Source: US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
What to specify when requesting a quote
- 1Temper / heat-treat condition (solution-annealed, age-hardened, mill-hardened)
- 2Whether you will heat-treat after forming
- 3Grade and the standard it must conform to (ASTM, EN, IS, UNS or your drawing)
- 4Form and dimensions — thickness or diameter, width, length and tolerances
- 5Approximate quantity, and whether the requirement is one-off or recurring
- 6Intended application, so the grade can be cross-checked before quoting
- 7Documents required — e.g. mill test certificate, chemical analysis, certificate of conformity
- 8Delivery city / site and the date you need material by
Documents buyers may request
Mill test certificate
e.g. EN 10204 type 3.1 inspection certificate, where the producing mill issues one
Chemical analysis report
heat / lot composition against the specified grade
Certificate of conformity
confirming the material meets the ordered standard
Heat / lot traceability
heat numbers marked on material and documents
Dimensional inspection report
for cut-to-size or machined material
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
especially for lead, beryllium-, cadmium- or lead-bearing products
Which documents can be provided depends on the source mill and is confirmed with each quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Is C17510 a lower-cost substitute for C17200?
Not directly. C17510 has lower strength but higher conductivity. They are selected for different duties — confirm the property you need with our team.
Sources & technical references
- C17200 — Copper Beryllium (CDA alloy database) — Copper Development Association Inc. (CDA). Checked 2026-10-14.
- C17510 — Copper Beryllium (high-conductivity) (CDA alloy database) — Copper Development Association Inc. (CDA). Checked 2026-10-14.
- Beryllium — Health Effects — US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Checked 2026-10-14.
