Copper-Beryllium Alloys

Copper-beryllium alloys contain between 0.6 to 2% Be and 0.2 to 2.5% Co. These alloys can be precipitation hardened and cold worked to develop a tensile strength as high as 1460 MPa. This is the highest strength among the copper alloys. Cu-Be alloys are used as tools requiring high hardness and non-sparking characteristics for the chemical industry. These alloys are very useful for making springs, gears, valves and diaphragms for their excellent corrosion resistance, fatigue properties and strength. These alloys, however, are costlier.