Designation & Standards
International Standard: UNS C17510 (also known as CW110C or CDA 17510)
U.S. ASTM Standards: ASTM B441 (rod), ASTM B534 (plate)
Chinese National Standard: GB/T 5231-2012 (Wrought Copper and Copper Alloys — Chemical Compositions and Designations), equivalent grade: QBe1.9Ni (1.9% Ni Beryllium Copper)
Industry Standard: RWMA Class 3 copper alloy, used in resistance welding applications
C17510 is a nickel-beryllium copper alloy (containing approximately 0.2–0.6% Be and 1.4–2.2% Ni, balance Cu), offering a combination of high strength and moderate electrical conductivity. It is an improved version of C17500, substituting cobalt with nickel.
Element | Content Range |
---|---|
Beryllium (Be) | 0.20 – 0.60 % |
Nickel (Ni) | 1.40 – 2.20 % |
Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.10 % |
Cobalt (Co) | ≤ 0.30 % |
Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.20 % |
Aluminum (Al) | ≤ 0.20 % |
Copper (Cu) | Remainder |
Note: C17510 uses nickel in place of cobalt found in C17500, with nearly identical performance.
Density: 8.75–8.77 g/cm³
Thermal Conductivity: 208–296 W/m·K (depending on temper)
Electrical Conductivity: 45–60% IACS
Tensile Strength:
Annealed: approx. 293 MPa (42 ksi)
Aged (e.g., TF00/HT): up to 760–895 MPa (110–130 ksi)
Yield Strength: approx. 350–690 MPa (depending on condition)
Rockwell Hardness (HRB): approx. 90–100
Modulus of Elasticity: approx. 120–131 GPa
Strengthening Mechanism: Solution annealing + quenching + aging (precipitation hardening)
Common Tempers:
TB00: Medium strength
TF00: High strength
TH04 / H04: Cold worked or cold worked + aged for maximum strength and hardness
Workability:
Machinability: Good
Cold/Hot Forming: Excellent
Weldability: Suitable for brazing, arc welding, and resistance welding; take precautions for beryllium fumes/dust
Thanks to its high strength, good electrical/thermal conductivity, and excellent corrosion resistance, C17510 is widely used in:
Electrical & Electronics: Connectors, switch contacts, relay parts, fuse clips, current-carrying springs
Resistance Welding: Spot/seam welding electrodes, holders, welding dies (RWMA Class 3)
Industrial Components: Precision-machined parts, bushings, bearings, ejector pins
Molding Industry: Injection molds, high-conductivity inserts, blow mold components
Aerospace: High-stress springs, aircraft electrical connectors
Medical / Oil & Gas: Downhole cable terminals, non-sparking tools, surgical instruments (high strength and biocompatibility)
C17500: Cobalt-bearing alloy, very similar performance
C18000: Beryllium-free alternative, environmentally friendly (Class 3 performance)
Other Beryllium Copper Grades:
C17200: ~2% Be, highest strength (RWMA Class 4)
C17300: Leaded variant for improved machinability
Beryllium Hazard: Inhalation of dust or fumes may cause chronic beryllium disease (CBD); ensure proper ventilation and use PPE
Nickel and Cobalt: May cause skin sensitization; wear gloves and follow safe handling procedures
C17510 is a high-performance nickel-beryllium copper alloy with the following characteristics:
Tensile strength up to 110–130 ksi
Electrical conductivity of 45–60% IACS
Excellent wear and corrosion resistance
Good formability, machinability, and weldability
Ideal for electrical, resistance welding, molding, aerospace, medical, and energy applications