C17510 Nickel-Beryllium Copper Rods / Plates / Custom Parts

QR code
Reservation Now
Detail

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




Basic Description



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.



Chemical Composition (Weight Percent)


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.



Physical and Mechanical Properties



A. Physical Properties


  • Density: 8.75–8.77 g/cm³

  • Thermal Conductivity: 208–296 W/m·K (depending on temper)

  • Electrical Conductivity: 45–60% IACS



B. Mechanical Properties (Depending on Temper)


  • 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




Heat Treatment and Processing


  • 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





Typical Applications



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)




Equivalent & Alternative Materials


  • 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





Safety Precautions


  • 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




Summary



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