W 130 - Beryllium copper

(Identical to or equivalent to: ISO-CuBe2, EN-CW 101 C etc.)

Type of material:

High tensile Copper

Chemical composition (nom.)

• Cu Rest.
• Be 1.8-2.1 %
• Co+Ni 0.2-0.6 %
• Impurities
  Others 0.5 % max.

Physical properties (principal values)

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (10-6/K): 17
Thermal conductivity (W/mK): 120
Electrical conductivity (m/W ohm mm2): 12-15
Modulus of Elasticity E (kN/mm2): 133
Density (g/cm3): 8.25

Mechanical properties

Yield strength (Rp N/mm2): 350 N/mm2
Tensile strenght (Rm N/mm2)): 400 N/mm2
Elongation in % A5: 15 %
Hardness /Brinell: 160 HB
Hardness /Rockwell: 36-40 HRC

(values above are nominal and valid for extruded or forged material)

Material description and areas of use

Copper alloyed with Beryllium creates a material with very high resistance values as well as very good thermal- and electrical conductivity. The material passes demands acc. to RWMA Class 4
(Resistance Welders Manufacturers Association).
It´s used in applications where a combination of wear-tear ability and high mechanical resistance, in high temperatures is required. The material is well suited for welding-electrodes with high demands of resistance is required. The material leads the heat away from the surface of the welding at the same time as the electrode is stable enough to handle the mechanical pressure used in the welding itself. The material can be extra hardened during manufacturing, through heat-treatment in combination with coldworking of the material.
The alloy is also well suited for tooling-parts for injection moulding of plastics.

Examples of areas of use

Welding-electrods, flash-welding dies, parts for injection moulding of plastics, (e.g. inserts and chill-plates), electrical components, different types of contacts etc.

Shapes and forms available

Machinecast material (round solids, flats, sheets): X
Sand- or die-cast: X
Forged material : X

Beryllium as a substance is cancerogenous. When casted, it changes its matrix structure and the toxic effect is heavily decreased. It is however recommended, that during any operation which is liable to create fumes or dust, to use protection against inhalation or exposure to skin and/or eyes.