Engineered to deliver exceptional conductivity, mechanical integrity, and durability under severe operating conditions.
UNS C17200, also structurally classified as Alloy 25, is the most universally utilized copper beryllium alloy. It is characterized by its remarkable capability to develop unmatched strength, hardness, and wear resistance through heat treatment, while maintaining excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. This specific combination is unmatched by standard copper-base materials, positioning C17200 as the premium selection for highly engineered components subjected to cyclical stresses, high temperatures, and abrasive wear.
By blending approximately 1.8% to 2.0% beryllium with trace amounts of cobalt and nickel, manufacturers can precipitate-harden the matrix. In its fully age-hardened condition (such as TH04 / TF00), C17200 achieves a tensile strength of up to 1400 MPa (200,000 psi), approaching the strength limits of high-alloy steels, while preserving roughly 20% to 25% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) electrical conductivity.
| Element / Property | Standard Value Range | Key Engineering Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Beryllium (Be) | 1.8% - 2.0% | Governs the precipitation-hardening phase, maximizing yield strength. |
| Cobalt (Co) + Nickel (Ni) | Min. 0.20% (Co+Ni+Fe max 0.6%) | Refines grain structure and inhibits grain growth during heat treating. |
| Density | 8.26 g/cm³ | Combines lightweight efficiency with heavy metallic integrity. |
| Tensile Strength | 1100 - 1400 MPa | Outperforms bronze, brass, and traditional copper alloys by 2-3x. |
| Electrical Conductivity | 20% - 28% IACS | Enables reliable energy transmission in heavy-duty contacts. |
Charting the next generation of high-conductivity, high-stress copper alloys through precise material engineering.
By optimizing the solid-solution stage temperature during vacuum smelting, our metallurgical experts can precisely manipulate grain growth. Introducing micro-alloying elements like cobalt and zirconium ensures the nucleation of fine-grain structures, which enhances fatigue life by up to 30% under cyclic mechanical stress.
Environmental regulations (RoHS & REACH) demand alternatives to traditional lead-bearing additives. Our research focuses on developing high-performance, free-machining C17300 variants utilizing bismuth or alternative non-toxic chip breakers to assure both machinability and global environmental compliance.
Looking ahead, we are exploring next-generation Cu-Ni-Sn and Cu-Ni-Si-Cr alloys. These systems harness spinodal decomposition to mimic beryllium-copper strength without the processing hazards, fulfilling the safety-first initiatives of automotive and aerospace prime contractors.
C17200 Beryllium Copper provides critical components with structural stability across the most demanding industries.
Highly resistant to stress relaxation at temperatures up to 200°C. Essential for EV high-voltage relays, busbars, battery pack connectors, and charging-terminal contacts that demand low contact resistance and high spring force.
Ideal for landing gear bushings, actuator bearings, structural safety pins, and instrumentation components. Provides spark-proof performance and prevents galling when running against hard steels under high load conditions.
Micro-electronic connectors require precise spring properties and low insertion forces over millions of cycles. C17200 strips and wires provide the design flexibility needed for dense RF coaxial switches and micro-pins.
Highly resistant to hydrogen embrittlement and chloride stress corrosion cracking. Utilized in directional drilling housings, subsea electrical connectors, and non-sparking hand tools deployed in explosive environments.
Used in resistance welding equipment, stamping dies, and high-frequency electro-hydraulic actuators. It preserves dimensional tolerances under intense repetitive shock and thermal cycling.
Sichuan Kepai New Material Co., Ltd. operates a highly optimized, digitally integrated facility spanning 9,000 square meters. Through industrial modernization, we have established a smart production route from raw material input to the final inspection of extruded rods, plates, and wire stock.
Our localized supply chain in Sichuan leverages low-carbon energy sources, regional smelting advantages, and direct logistical routes, providing an uninterrupted supply flow that insulates our global partners from shipping bottlenecks. Automated drawing, cold extrusion, and computerized straightening lines allow us to optimize production lead times by up to 25% compared to conventional operations.
Our state-of-the-art facility integrates advanced metallurgy with automated industrial control loops.
Ensuring compliance, reliable logistics, and engineering support for global manufacturing hubs.
We supply C17200 alloys compliant with international standards, including ASTM B194, ASTM B196, SAE J461, and JIS H3270. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to verify physical and mechanical properties.
We prioritize environmental health and safety. Our beryllium alloys are manufactured under strict occupational health protocols, and our clean-cut, lead-free solutions meet RoHS and REACH criteria.
With distribution channels and shipping networks across North America, Europe, and Asia, we offer reliable logistics support, helping clients maintain lean safety stocks and optimize cash flow.
A technical guide to specifying temper, dimensions, and mechanical tolerances for C17200 alloys.
When procurement teams request quotes for C17200 beryllium copper from factories, it is vital to distinguish between Solution Annealed (A), Cold Worked (H), and Precipitation Hardened (AT or HT) tempers. Specifying the correct mechanical state directly influences downstream machining overheads and manufacturing costs.
At Sichuan Kepai, our technical engineers help procurement departments optimize their specs, reducing scrap rates and thermal cycle overheads by delivering precision-milled materials suited to their production equipment.
Integrating technical strength, a comprehensive product system, and global market reach.
Technological innovation is the core competitiveness of Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. The company has a research and development and production team composed of senior industry experts who keep pace with international cutting-edge technology trends and continuously explore the unknown boundaries in the field of new copper alloy materials. Through a combination of independent research and development and industry-university-research collaboration, Kepai has made breakthrough progress in several areas, including high-performance tellurium copper, lead copper, and sulfur copper. Many of its technological achievements have reached international advanced levels and have been successfully applied in various industries such as new energy vehicles, precision machining parts, plasma cutting, relays, and energy storage, earning widespread recognition and praise in the market.
Kepai's product line is rich and diverse, covering a comprehensive range of solutions from basic materials to high-end customization. We focus on providing customers with high-performance, high-quality high-end copper alloy products, including but not limited to pure copper, oxygen-free copper, oxygen-free high-conductivity tellurium copper, nickel tellurium copper, tin bronze, beryllium copper, lead bronze, sulfur copper, and chromium zirconium copper. These products play an important role in reducing production costs and enhancing product performance due to their excellent physical and chemical properties and environmental friendliness, creating significant economic and social benefits for customers.
In the face of global market competition, Sichuan Kepai New Materials adheres to the development strategy of "rooted in Sichuan, radiating nationwide, and moving towards the world." By continuously optimizing market layout and improving the sales network, we have established a stable customer base in multiple provinces and cities across the country and have formed long-term cooperative relationships with several internationally renowned enterprises. At the same time, the company actively expands into overseas markets, participates in international competition and cooperation, and strives to promote Kepai's brand influence on the global stage.
We understand that the long-term development of an enterprise is inseparable from an excellent corporate culture. We advocate the corporate spirit of "integrity, innovation, collaboration, and win-win," encouraging employees to explore boldly and innovate courageously, while also emphasizing teamwork and talent cultivation, striving to create a harmonious, open, and inclusive work atmosphere. We believe that only by continuously pursuing excellence and creating value can we win the trust of customers and the respect of society.
Our commitment to quality is backed by ISO 9001 and environmental compliance certifications.
Integrating modern melting, cold-forming, and testing equipment to ensure material consistency.
In-depth responses from our metallurgical engineers on selecting, machining, and heat-treating C17200 alloys.
Both alloys have similar beryllium contents (1.8%-2.0%) and achieve equivalent strength levels. However, C17300 contains a small addition of lead (0.2% to 0.6%), which acts as a chip-breaker to enhance machinability. C17200 is selected for applications requiring maximum structural integrity and environmental compliance (such as REACH/RoHS limits on lead content), while C17300 is preferred for automated high-volume screw machine operations.
To age-harden solution-annealed C17200 (TB00 temper) to its maximum mechanical properties (TF00 or AT temper), thermal processing at 315°C to 325°C (600°F to 620°F) for 2 to 3 hours is required. For cold-worked materials (TD04/H temper), aging for 2 hours at the same temperature range develops optimal mechanical strength and hardness without excessive deformation.
Yes. Finished C17200 components present no health hazards in solid form. Risk is only associated with inhaling dust, fumes, or fine mists generated during machining, grinding, or welding. Proper ventilation and dust capture systems at manufacturing facilities mitigate these risks, making the final components safe for electronic contacts, switches, and automotive connectors.
Every production lot undergoes rigorous inspection in our chemical composition testing laboratory. We utilize eddy current instruments to verify electrical conductivity, metallographic microscopes to analyze grain structure, and computerized universal testing machines to confirm tensile strength, yield limits, and Rockwell hardness levels before export packaging.
Explore our highly specialized copper alloys, customized to deliver wear-resistance and superior machinability.
Looking ahead, Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. will continue to uphold its original intention, with even greater enthusiasm and determination, to engage in research and application in the field of new materials, contributing to the development of the new copper alloy materials industry in China and globally. We look forward to working hand in hand with friends from all walks of life to create a brilliant future together!
Kepai
