CuBe2

CuBe2 is a copper alloy with very high mechanical strength that can be precipitation-hardened after heat treatment. It combines excellent elasticity with very good fatigue and wear resistance, while maintaining adequate thermal and electrical conductivity for an alloy in this class. It is one of the highest-performing copper alloys in terms of mechanical strength. CuBe2 bronze, also designated C17200 (UNS) or CW101C (European standard), is a copper alloy containing 1.8 to 2% beryllium. It offers the highest mechanical strength of all commercial copper alloys: after precipitation hardening treatment (aging), its tensile strength exceeds 1,400 MPa, with a hardness approaching 45 HRC. CuBe2 bronze combines excellent elasticity with remarkable resistance to fatigue, wear, and stress relaxation, even at elevated temperatures. Its electrical conductivity ranges from 15 to 23% IACS depending on the metallurgical condition, and its thermal conductivity reaches 105 to 130 W/m·K. Non-magnetic and non-sparking, this alloy is also distinguished by its good corrosion resistance. It is one of the few materials capable of rivaling special steels in terms of strength while retaining the intrinsic properties of copper.