Science, Tech, Math › Science Physical Properties of Beryllium Copper Print Guy Immega/Wikimedia Commons Science Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Terence Bell Terence Bell Metal Expert University of British Columbia Carleton University Terence Bell is a former writer who has been involved in the rare earth and minor metal industries for over 10 years. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on January 06, 2020 Beryllium copper alloys are vital to many industries due to their unique combination of strength, hardness, conductivity, and resistance to corrosion. Standard beryllium copper alloys contain close to 2% beryllium, while the beryllium content in proprietary alloys can range from 1.5% to 2.7%. The standards in the chart below should be for reference only, as alloys can be subject to considerable variation depending upon conditions of heat treatment. For example, thermal and electrical conductivity can increase with precipitation hardening. It's also worth noting that the precipitation heat treatment that creates maximum hardness does not correspond with that which provides maximum conductivity. Physical Properties of Beryllium Copper Properties Measurement Density 8.25g/c30.298lb/in3 Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 17 x 10-6 per C9.5 x 10-6 per F Electrical ConductivitySolution heat-treatedHeat-treated to maximum hardnessHeat-treated to maximum conductivity 16% to 18% (IACS)20% to 25% (IACS)32% to 38% (IACS) Electrical Resistivity at 20°CSolution heat-treatedHeat-treated to maximum hardnessHeat-treated to maximum conductivity 9.5 to 10.8 microhm cm6.9 to 8.6 microhm cm4.6 to 5.4 microhm cm Temperature Coefficient of ElectricalResistance, from 0°C to 100°CHeat-treated to maximum conductivity 0.0013 per °C Thermal ConductivitySolution heat-treatedPrecipitation hardened 0.20 cal./cm2/cm./sec./°C0.25 cal./cm3/cm./sec./°C Specific Heat 0.1 Modulus of ElasticityTension (Young's modulus)Torsion (Bulk or shear modulus) 18 to 19 x 106lb./sq. inch6.5 to 7 x 106lb./sq. inch Temperature coefficient of elastic modulusTension, from -50°C to 50°CTorsion, from -50°C to 50°C -0.00035 per °C-0.00033 per °C Source: Copper Development Association. Pub 54. Beryllium Copper (1962). Uses of Beryllium Copper Alloys Beryllium copper is commonly used in electronic connectors, telecommunications products, computer components, and small springs. Take a close look at tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers used on oil rigs and coal mines, and you'll see that they have the letters BeCu on them. That indicates they are made of beryllium copper. That's important for workers in those industries because they need tools that are safe to use in those environments. For example, tools made from beryllium copper won't cause potentially deadly sparks. Beryllium copper alloys are so strong, they often find themselves in competition with steel. Beryllium copper alloys have advantages over steel, including higher resistance to corrosion. Beryllium copper is also a better conductor of heat and electricity. As noted above, beryllium copper won't spark, and this is another significant benefit the metal alloy has over steel. In potentially dangerous situations, beryllium copper tools can help reduce the risk of fire and injury. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Bell, Terence. "Physical Properties of Beryllium Copper." ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/physical-properties-of-beryllium-copper-2340165. Bell, Terence. (2021, February 16). Physical Properties of Beryllium Copper. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/physical-properties-of-beryllium-copper-2340165 Bell, Terence. "Physical Properties of Beryllium Copper." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/physical-properties-of-beryllium-copper-2340165 (accessed March 28, 2024). copy citation By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies