High-conductivity, high-yield strength alloys certified for precision aerospace components, critical relays, and severe-service industrial applications.
Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd., founded in 2017, stands as a premier high-tech enterprise dedicated to the research, development, production, and international distribution of advanced structural alloys. Occupying a modern 9,000 square meter factory floor in the western area of the Sichuan Guanghan Industrial Development Zone, adjacent to National Highway 108, our infrastructure is designed to service demanding industrial needs worldwide.
We focus on producing high-performance copper-based new materials aligned with global strategic industrial shifts. Our portfolio integrates specialty alloys such as tellurium copper (TeCu), high-conductivity oxygen-free copper, silver copper, dispersion-strengthened copper, and a comprehensive suite of beryllium copper (CuBe) alloys. Through precision metallurgy, Kepai provides key materials essential for high-technology markets, including electric vehicles (EVs), 5G base station equipment, high-power fiber optic laser cutting systems, and high-voltage grid electrical relay devices.
"Our operating philosophy is built upon innovation-driven engineering and uncompromising quality. Through rigorous quality assurance protocols and cutting-edge smelting facilities, we empower global businesses with materials that drive industrial growth and long-term sustainability."
An Engineering Deep Dive into Precipitation Hardening and Material Properties
Beryllium copper (CuBe) attains its extreme mechanical strength via a thermal aging process called precipitation hardening. Beryllium atoms, initially dissolved in a solid supersaturated solution within the copper lattice, precipitate as a distinct phase during aging. This forms microscopic intermetallic structures that block dislocation movements, resulting in strengths comparable to high-alloy steels.
Unlike carbon steel which loses electrical capabilities to gain structural durability, Beryllium Copper retains high electrical conductivity (up to 60% IACS, depending on the alloy system). This unique blend makes it the material of choice for high-amperage electrical connectors, thermal management systems, and heavy-duty spring contacts.
The alloy displays exceptional resistance to friction wear, galling, and metal-to-metal binding. Combined with its non-magnetic and non-sparking properties, it provides high safety and longevity in environments like petrochemical processing facilities, high-risk mining zones, and explosive atmospheres.
| Alloy Designation | UNS Classification | Beryllium Content (%) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) | Key Industrial Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C17200 | UNS C17200 | 1.8% - 2.0% | 1100 - 1380 | 15 - 25 | Heavy-duty springs, aerospace bearings, oil & gas drilling tools |
| C17300 | UNS C17300 | 1.8% - 2.0% (Lead addition) | 1100 - 1350 | 15 - 25 | Free-machining electronic connectors, precision turned components |
| C17500 | UNS C17500 | 0.4% - 0.7% (Cobalt addition) | 680 - 960 | 45 - 60 | Resistance welding dies, thermal conductive mold components |
| C17510 | UNS C17510 | 0.2% - 0.6% (Nickel addition) | 680 - 960 | 45 - 60 | EV charging plug terminals, relay components, 5G signal pins |
From smelting to delivery: How Sichuan Kepai guarantees premium quality alloys.
Technological innovation is the core competitiveness of Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. The company maintains a specialized research and development and production team composed of senior metallurgical experts. They monitor global engineering trends and continuously optimize alloy performance characteristics.
Through independent research and development combined with university-enterprise collaborations, we have achieved performance breakthroughs in high-conductivity tellurium copper, lead-free brasses, and high-yield beryllium copper systems. Many of our proprietary production practices allow us to manufacture alloys that lower structural losses and maximize electrical transmission, earning recognition in demanding target markets.
Kepai’s industrial catalog is broad, ranging from raw ingot and billet formulations to semi-finished and fully finished components. Our focus is on providing high-performance solutions for demanding operating environments. Our production capability encompasses high-purity copper, oxygen-free copper, oxygen-free high-conductivity tellurium copper, nickel-tellurium-copper, tin bronzes, beryllium copper, lead bronze, and specialized chromium zirconium copper.
We work closely with clients to supply customized alloy chemistry profiles, tailored grain structures, and specific tempers. This helps engineers reduce processing waste, accelerate machining operations, and achieve long-term field stability.
We operate under a clear development strategy: "Rooted in Sichuan, radiating nationwide, and moving towards the world." Over the years, we have built a robust logistics network and established long-term partnerships with leading engineering firms and aerospace manufacturers across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Our export division has extensive experience handling international shipping regulations, custom clearance paperwork, and localized regulatory compliance. Whether you require specific wooden crate packing for maritime shipments or temperature-controlled air freight, Kepai secures the integrity of your raw materials from our warehouse to your factory doors.
An overview of our integrated production machinery and in-house testing laboratories.
Vacuum Smelting & Casting
Precision Laying-Off
Hot Extrusion Press
Wire & Rod Drawing
Rotary Straightening
Export Standard Packaging
Eddy Current Conductance Tester
Spectro Chemical Analysis Room
Metallographic Sample Polishers
Microcomputer Servo Universal Tester
LCD Electronic Universal Tester
Digital Hardness Tester
How our alloys meet the demands of advanced engineering domains
High-voltage battery charging ports and electrical relay switches run hot when charging at high currents. Our high-conductivity copper alloys prevent thermal runaway in EV contacts, providing electrical conductivity alongside high mechanical strength.
5G base station transmitters use high-frequency coaxial connectors. These contacts require alloys with excellent spring return capability and corrosion resistance. Our Beryllium Copper maintains tight connection force and stable signal routing over thousands of mating cycles.
Drilling equipment regularly operates under extreme pressures and exposures to corrosive hydrogen sulfide (sour gas). Beryllium copper's non-magnetic and non-sparking characteristics help protect instrument housings and drill collars from sparks and magnetic interference.
Fiber optic laser cutters require cutting nozzles with high thermal conductivity to quickly dissipate intense heat. Using our premium copper alloys increases nozzle service life and helps ensure precision cutting performance over extended shifts.
Our operational standards are audited to meet international quality, environmental, and occupational safety frameworks.
How Kepai is addressing environmental restrictions, advanced alloy compositions, and carbon neutrality goals.
Environmental policies like RoHS and REACH restrict lead in electrical components. Sichuan Kepai is researching and developing high-performance, low-lead and lead-free copper-alloy alternatives that maintain high machining rates and strength levels without using lead additions.
We are updating our manufacturing processes to lower emissions. By optimizing heat recycling in our induction furnaces, we reduce energy use and carbon emissions per ton of processed copper, helping to build a more sustainable supply chain.
We are exploring advanced manufacturing methods for dispersion-strengthened copper (DSC). Incorporating nano-scale ceramic particles (like alumina) into the copper matrix creates materials that retain high electrical conductivity and do not soften, even at temperatures close to copper's melting point.
Expert answers regarding Beryllium Copper properties, manufacturing, safety, and supply chain logistics.
Yes. Beryllium copper in its solid finished state is non-toxic and safe to handle. It is commonly used in consumer electronics, automotive switches, and medical instruments. Safety hazards only arise during processes that generate respirable dust or fumes, such as dry grinding, welding, or high-speed machining. Standard wet-machining, proper ventilation, and dust extraction mitigate these risks.
C17200 is a high-strength alloy containing roughly 1.8% to 2.0% beryllium. It is selected for applications requiring maximum mechanical strength and fatigue resistance, such as heavy-duty springs, bearings, and oil tools. C17500 is a high-conductivity alloy containing less beryllium (0.4% to 0.7%) along with cobalt. It is used when thermal and electrical flow are the primary requirements, such as in welding dies, electrical switches, and EV charging interfaces.
We analyze every batch using our in-house laboratories, which feature optical emission spectrometers for chemical profiling, universal testing machines for tensile testing, digital hardness testers, and eddy current instruments for electrical conductivity verification. This complete testing workflow provides full traceability for our shipped products.
Beryllium copper exhibits high thermal stability compared to standard brass or bronze. High-strength variants maintain their mechanical properties up to approximately 300°C (572°F). Beyond this threshold, over-aging can occur, leading to a decrease in mechanical strength. For higher temperature applications, specialized alloys like C17500 or dispersion-strengthened copper are recommended.
Explore our complete manufacturing capabilities, including high-strength and free-machining alloys, lead bronzes, and oxygen-free tellurium coppers.
Contact our technical engineering team for raw material configurations, standard alloy compliance data, or to obtain a fast quotation for your production facility.
Kepai
