Beryllium copper alloy is a metal alloy comprised of copper with the addition of up to 3% beryllium, and occasionally other additional elements. Also known as “copper beryllium”, “beryllium bronze” or “BeCu”, this alloy is ideal for metalworking, with significant qualities of operating performance.

BeCu is easily machined, ductile and weldable. Heat-treating will increase its strength and electrical conductivity, as well as its durability. The alloy is less susceptible to galling and abrasive wear, and resistant to carbonic acid and hydrochloric acids; both non-oxidizing acids.

Beryllium is a known toxin and beryllium dust is a carcinogen. While the finished beryllium copper product is not considered a health hazard, necessary precautions must be taken during welding or machining to avoid lung damage. The toxicity of beryllium is one reason that the safer copper alloy Cu-Ni-Sn bronze is often used instead of beryllium copper.

Beryllium copper is valued for its ability to conduct electricity and is often used for low-current applications such as battery contacts and electrical connectors. It is also nonmagnetic and non-sparking, as well as being physically durable. For this reason it is often used to make tools for use around explosive gases, such as oil rigs. Unfortunately, beryllium copper tools are not as durable as tools (i.e. chisels, hammers, pliers and screwdrivers) made out of steel; they’re also more expensive. However, due to safety concerns in hazardous environments, beryllium copper tools are the best choice.

From the prosaic to the creative, beryllium copper is also used to make high-quality, professional percussion instruments. Beryllium copper tambourines and triangles produce a strong resonance along with a clear and consistent tone and timbre that sounds as long as the instrument resonates. Such instruments produce a rich and melodious feel often not seemingly suitable for some classical music.

Beryllium copper is also used in dilution refrigerators due to its ability to maintain high thermal conductivity and mechanical strength in extreme subzero temperatures. This alloy is also what some armor-piercing bullets are made of, although that makes them more expensive than steel alloys.

Drilling tools that provide measurement in slant drilling are often made from the non-magnetic alloy copper beryllium. For those that golf, your wedges and putters are might made from BeCu, especially if they are vintage clubs. Current regulations mean that newer clubs are probably not made of beryllium copper alloy.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is provided for educational purposes only, and in no way implies that Shelmet Castings, Inc. works with a particular metal or alloy.

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