Known for their strength and conductivity, beryllium copper alloys are a compound found in the manufacturing of many electronics. Among their many industrial uses are in electronic connector contacts, switch and relay blades in electrical equipment, and housing for magnetic sensing devices.

Beryllium copper alloys have two categories: high strength and high conductivity alloys. The high strength alloys are best for use in electronics parts and molds which hold a system together, whereas high conductivity components are best for welding and current-carrying, as they transfer heat and electricity more freely. Use this guide to help you:

1. Find a distributor on a beryllium copper alloys website.

2. Locate beryllium copper alloys of high strength for electronics applications.

3. Contact a beryllium copper alloys manufacturer of high conductivity alloys for welding purposes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Connect with a supplier of beryllium copper alloys online for quotes and product information

A typical beryllium copper alloys distributor has online services through which you can purchase beryllium copper alloys. Beryllium copper alloys have reference numbers which designate whether a compound is stronger or more conductive. A higher reference number indicates greater conductivity; reference numbers range from around C17200 to C17400, though many 'Class 4' conductive beryllium copper alloys are labeled C17510. Since beryllium copper alloys come in different grades of strength and conductivity, analyze your needs carefully before ordering.

I recommend: Copper.org provides information about beryllium copper alloy applications and also has a list of suppliers on its website. NSRW has information about the specifications of the two types of beryllium copper alloys; both are also available for purchase on this site.

Find a beryllium copper alloys supplier of high strength alloys for electronics components

This beryllium copper alloy is appropriate for usage in parts such as electronic connectors and current-carrying springs. High strength beryllium copper alloys are the 'Class 3 Alloy' and generally have a reference number around C17200. They contain up to 2.7% of beryllium when cast, or 2.0% with an alloy wrought with cobalt.

I recommend: Buy beryllium copper alloys of high strength from either National Bronze & Metals or Nonferrous Products.

Locate a beryllium copper distributor of high conductivity alloys for welding dies

High conductivity beryllium copper alloys are best for welding dies, as well as current-carrying shafts and bushings. They aren't as strong as their Class 3 Alloy counterpart, but heat more easily which makes them suitable for welding. They are 'Class 4 Alloys' and their reference number ranges around C17510; they contain up to .7% beryllium.

I recommend: Southern Copper & Supply and Brush Wellman both have a wide selection of high conductivity beryllium copper alloys.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep in mind that reference numbers vary upon the percentage of beryllium in the alloy, so check with the distributor. Also remember that different reference numbers do mean a difference in the compound; avoid accidentally buying two different strengths of alloy.