Discover our core catalog of advanced copper alloy formulations engineered for extreme mechanical and electrical demands globally.
Beryllium Copper Alloy C17200, widely recognized as Alloy 25, stands as the premier high-strength copper alloy system utilized in modern industrial applications. The material comprises approximately 1.8% to 2.0% beryllium (Be), with micro-alloying additions of Cobalt (Co) and Nickel (Ni) representing a minimum of 0.2% up to 0.6%. The synergistic action of these components provides an unparalleled combination of electrical conductivity, thermal performance, and exceptional mechanical yield stress levels exceeding 1400 MPa when heat-treated.
Did you know? C17200's immense strength is derived from age-hardening (precipitation hardening). During this thermodynamic process, sub-microscopic beryllium-rich GP zones precipitate within the copper matrix, causing localized lattice strain that obstructs dislocation movement and multiplies yield strength by up to four times compared to solution-annealed states.
The material undergoes a rigorous thermodynamic cycle to reach its optimal tempers (e.g., TB00 (A), TD04 (H), TF00 (AT), and TH04 (HT)). Sourcing from a factory that maintains stringent grain-size controls (typically under 15-25 microns) ensures that isotropic fatigue resistance, high elasticity modules, and structural integrity are preserved during subsequent machining or forming operations.
| Property Parameter | Solution Annealed (TB00 / A) | Peak Aged (TF00 / AT) | Cold Work + Aged (TH04 / HT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 410 - 590 | 1140 - 1310 | 1310 - 1480 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset, MPa) | 140 - 240 | 965 - 1100 | 1100 - 1280 |
| Elongation in 2 inches (%) | 35 - 60 | 5 - 15 | 2 - 5 |
| Hardness (Rockwell B/C) | 45 - 85 HRB | 36 - 42 HRC | 38 - 45 HRC |
| Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) | 15 - 18 | 22 - 25 | 22 - 28 |
Sourcing managers face a highly complex landscape when procuring high-grade C17200 alloys. Because beryllium extraction and copper integration require specialized smelting technology, only a limited number of high-tech manufacturers can offer high-purity, defect-free coils, rods, wires, and sheets. Strategic sourcing calls for suppliers with vertical manufacturing capabilities—including vacuum induction melting (VIM), continuous casting, hot extrusion, and precise cold rolling.
In North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, major aerospace, industrial, and semiconductor enterprises demand strict compliance with international specifications, including ASTM B194 (for plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar), ASTM B196 (for rod and bar), and SAE AMS 4533/4534. A single casting defect, trace contamination, or uneven precipitation distribution can lead to catastrophic micro-fractures in aerospace fuel pump bushings, marine undersea transponder housings, or electric vehicle battery safety systems. Consequently, supplier audits focus heavily on metallurgical traceability, spectroscopic batch verification, and structural homogeneity certifications.
Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd., established in 2017, is a high-tech enterprise integrating research and development, production, and sales. Currently, the factory covers an area of approximately 9,000 square meters, with an office space of about 1,000 square meters. The company primarily engages in the production of strategic emerging new materials for the national 13th Five-Year Plan, including special copper alloys such as tellurium copper, high-conductivity oxygen-free copper, silver copper, and dispersion copper, while also focusing on the research and development of high-conductivity, easy-to-machine, high-strength copper alloys. The products are mainly applied in high-tech fields such as new energy vehicles, 5G technology, laser cutting, and lithium battery relays.
By leveraging advanced metallurgical capabilities and rigorous manufacturing protocols, Kepai offers custom chemical controls, tailored heat-treat tempers, and precise dimensional tolerances that align with the high-reliability demands of global OEMs and Tier 1 defense suppliers.
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.
C17200 Beryllium Copper provides pivotal engineering solutions across critical sectors where alloy failure is not an option. Thanks to its remarkable mechanical limits and anti-sparking, galling-resistant behavior, it has become the standard material of choice in high-risk industrial configurations.
In aerospace, C17200 is widely chosen for landing gear bushings, guide pins, and high-load sleeve bearings. The material resists frictional galling and preserves structural yield strength across extreme temperature differentials. For deep-ocean exploration, its resistance to chloride stress-corrosion cracking and biofouling makes it suitable for underwater repeater housings and marine instrumentation components.
In automotive electrification and 5G communication, C17200 is used for high-current spring terminals and board-level connectors. While standard copper alloys lose spring force due to stress relaxation at temperatures above 100°C, C17200 exhibits exceptional resistance to thermal relaxation. This ensures consistent contact pressure and prevents electric vehicle battery charging terminal meltdowns.
The non-sparking and non-magnetic characteristics of C17200 make it essential for safety tooling, geological directional sensors, and MWD (Measurement While Drilling) components. It operates reliably in sour-gas environments (containing H2S) without suffering hydrogen embrittlement, protecting high-cost downhole equipment during deep exploration.
We operate vertical casting, processing, and metallurgical characterization facilities to maintain the highest quality controls from raw materials to final shipment.
The technological path of Beryllium Copper C17200 is closely tied to precision requirements in advanced processing. As connector pitches in electronics and EVs decrease, the grain structure of the alloy must adapt. At Sichuan Kepai New Materials, our technical roadmap focuses on grain boundary engineering (GBE) and the control of second-phase particles (cobalt/nickel beryllides). By optimizing recrystallization patterns, we aim to deliver excellent isotropic ductility, allowing for uniform bending and drawing in intricate connector geometries.
Furthermore, safety and sustainability remain central to our development efforts. While metallic beryllium is safely integrated into the copper matrix in finished alloys, we utilize closed-loop filtration and vacuum casting during production to ensure worker safety and prevent environmental emissions. Alongside this, our R&D team continues to research high-performance, beryllium-free alternatives (such as spinodal-decomposing Copper-Nickel-Tin alloys and advanced Chromium-Zirconium-Copper) to support industries working under specific material constraints.
Sichuan Kepai New Materials maintains rigorous international quality compliance. We back our supply chain with complete traceability, chemical reports, and certified mechanical testing. Below are our official certifications, highlighting our adherence to quality control and standard protocols:
C17200 achieves much higher mechanical strength (up to 1480 MPa) than standard copper-nickel alloys while retaining 22% to 28% IACS electrical conductivity. This combination allows for thin-walled parts that remain highly conductive and retain their spring temper under heavy stress and high operating temperatures.
For standard solution-annealed C17200 (TB00), age hardening typically involves heating the material to 315°C - 325°C (600°F - 620°F) in a controlled atmosphere furnace (argon or nitrogen) for 2 to 3 hours, followed by air cooling. For pre-tempered cold-worked states (TD04), peak strength is reached more quickly.
Yes. In solid form, finished Beryllium Copper parts do not present inhalation hazards. Beryllium is securely bound within the copper matrix. Inhalation risks only arise during dust-generating processes such as dry grinding, welding, or EDM machining. In these cases, wet processing and local exhaust ventilation should be used.
Yes. Our engineering and production facilities allow us to adjust alloy formulations to specific requirements. This includes controlling trace elements (like Lead or Iron) and providing customized profiles, rods, plates, and wire sizes to match your specific production requirements.
Each shipment is accompanied by a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) detailing spectroscopic chemical composition, tensile and yield strength, elongation percentages, hardness readings, and electrical conductivity values (IACS). Microstructural grain structure verification is also available upon request.
Choose from our advanced metallurgical portfolio, including high-purity copper, oxygen-free copper, and wear-resistant bronzes.
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
