C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3)
Primary Designation:UNS C17510
Aliases:
Alloy 3Low-Beryllium High-Conductivity CopperC17510
Mat Grades internal verification confirms source-backed fidelity and data integrity. It does not constitute external certification, ASTM/CDA endorsement, or guaranteed material conformity for procurement.
Data Completeness & Record Integrity:7 composition elements and 63 contextual property values cataloged.
Omitted fields represent unverified parameters. "Missing is better than invented."
Key Engineering Properties
Representative source rows, qualified by their reported conditions. Inspect the tables below for all values, limits, and source notes.
Density
8.775 g/cm³TYPICAL · at 20 °C
Electrical Conductivity
48 % IACSTYPICAL · at 20 °C
Thermal Conductivity
207.69 W/(m·K)TYPICAL · at 20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity
418.7 J/(kg·K)TYPICAL · at 20 °C
Melting Range (Solidus / Liquidus)
1029.4 – 1068.3 °C1885.0 – 1955.0 °F
Solidus: 1029.4°C | Liquidus: 1068.3°CComposition Excerpt
Cu BALANCE wt%Copper (balance)
Standard Elemental Basis: BALANCEEngineering Summary
UNS C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3) is a high-conductivity precipitation-hardening alloy containing 0.2% to 0.6% beryllium and 1.4% to 2.2% nickel. It combines high electrical conductivity (45% to 60% IACS) and thermal conductivity (225 W/(m·K)) with high yield strengths (up to 650 MPa) for resistance welding electrodes, switchgear, and high-current electrical connectors.
Documented Product Applications (Cited CDA Reference Profile)
- ›Conductors: Corrosion Resistance
- ›Conductors: Creep Properties
- ›Conductors: Mechanical Properties
- ›Conductors: Softening Resistance
- ›Conductors: Solderability
- ›Connectors, Heavy Duty: Conductivity (Electrical)
- ›Connectors, Heavy Duty: Conductivity (Thermal)
- ›Connectors, Heavy Duty: Corrosion Resistance
- ›Connectors, Heavy Duty: Creep Properties
- ›Connectors, Heavy Duty: Mechanical Properties
- ›Connectors, Heavy Duty: Softening Resistance
- ›Die casting plunger tips: Mechanical Properties
Recognized Aliases
Source-backed commercial trade name and short designations cataloged in canonical data.
Alloy 3Low-Beryllium High-Conductivity CopperC17510
Standard Designations & Applicable Specifications
Semantically classified designations distinguishing primary standard identifiers, commercial trade names, and applicable specification references.
Direct Standard DesignationsDIRECT DESIGNATION
2 Primary Identifiers| System | Identifier | Standard System Name | Classification Notes & Provenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNSPRIMARY | C17510 | Unified Numbering System | Unified Numbering System standard designation for copper alloys (CDA / SAE / ASTM)Ref: CDA UNS Standard Designations Register (C17510) |
| CDA | Alloy 175.1 | Copper Development Association Alloy Number | CDA three-digit legacy designationRef: CDA UNS Standard Designations Register (C17510) |
Recognized Commercial Aliases & Trade NamesCOMMON ALIAS
4 Listed| Recognized Name / Alias | Classification | Technical Usage & Context |
|---|---|---|
| Beryllium Copper Alloy 3 | Standard Commercial Name | CDA Standard Commercial Name |
| Alloy 3 | Commercial Alias | Colloquial or commercial industry synonym |
| Low-Beryllium High-Conductivity Copper | Commercial Alias | Colloquial or commercial industry synonym |
| C17510 | Commercial Alias | Colloquial or commercial industry synonym |
Applicable Specifications & Product Form ReferencesSPECIFICATION REFERENCE
9 Applicable Standards| Standards Body | Specification Code | Specification Title / Scope | Relationship Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM | ASTM B441 | COPPER-COBALT-BERYLLIUM (UNS NO. C17500) AND COPPER-NICKEL-BERYLLIUM (UNS NO. C17510) ROD AND BAR | Specification Reference |
| ASTM | ASTM B534 | COPPER-COBALT-BERYLLIUM ALLOY, PLATE, SHEET, STRIP, AND ROLLED BAR | Specification Reference |
| ASTM | ASTM B870 | COPPER-BERYLLIUM ALLOY FORGINGS AND EXTRUSION ALLOYS (UNS Nos. C17500 AND C17510) | Specification Reference |
| ASTM | ASTM B944 | COPPER-BERYLLIUM WELDED HEAT EXCHANGER AND CONDENSER TUBE UNS No. C175100 | Specification Reference |
| SAE | SAE J463 | WROUGHT COPPER AND COPPER ALLOYS | Specification Reference |
| SAE | SAE J461 | WROUGHT AND CAST COPPER ALLOYS | Specification Reference |
| ASTM | ASTM B937 | COPPER-BERYLLIUM SEAMLESS TUBE (UNS Nos.17500 and 17510) | Specification Reference |
| ASTM | ASTM B888/B88M | COPPER ALLOY STRIP FOR USE IN MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS OR SPRING CONTACTS | Specification Reference |
| MILITARY | MILITARY MIL-C-81021 | COPPER BERYLLIUM ALLOY (COPPER ALLOY NUMBERS C17500 AND C17510) STRIP | Specification Reference |
Engineering Notice: Applicable specifications establish manufacturing requirements, dimensional tolerances, and test criteria for specific product forms (e.g. bus bar, wire, plate, pipe). They represent applicable technical standards, not alternative or equivalent alloy grades.
Chemical Composition (Weight %)
Elemental limits and values from the cited source. Preserves exact semantic limits (minimums, maximums, and ranges).
| Element | Symbol | Atomic No. | Semantic Basis | Specified Value | Unit | Metallurgical Notes & Qualification | Data Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Cu | 29 | BALANCE | Balance | wt% | Remainder element (Copper).Ref: Copper Development Association (CDA) | VERIFIED |
| Iron | Fe | 26 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.10 | wt% | CDA chemical composition specification limits for C17510: max 0.1 wt%.Ref: Copper Development Association (CDA) | VERIFIED |
| Nickel | Ni | 28 | RANGE | 1.40 – 2.20 | wt% | CDA chemical composition specification limits for C17510: 1.4 - 2.2 wt%.Ref: Copper Development Association (CDA) | VERIFIED |
| Aluminum | Al | 13 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.20 | wt% | CDA chemical composition specification limits for C17510: max 0.2 wt%.Ref: Copper Development Association (CDA) | VERIFIED |
| Beryllium | Be | 4 | RANGE | 0.20 – 0.60 | wt% | CDA chemical composition specification limits for C17510: 0.2 - 0.6 wt%.Ref: Copper Development Association (CDA) | VERIFIED |
| Cobalt | Co | 27 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.30 | wt% | CDA chemical composition specification limits for C17510: max 0.3 wt%.Ref: Copper Development Association (CDA) | VERIFIED |
| Silicon | Si | 14 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.20 | wt% | CDA chemical composition specification limits for C17510: max 0.2 wt%.Ref: Copper Development Association (CDA) | VERIFIED |
* Elemental percentages are expressed in weight percent (wt%). Values represent applicable specification limits. Unspecified trace elements are not fabricated or assumed.Preserves exact semantic basis
Property Display UnitsSwitch between Canonical SI and Source / US Customary units:
Physical Properties
Source-specific physical properties. Test temperatures are shown only where reported.
| Property Parameter | Canonical SI Value | Semantic Basis | Test Temperature / Context Range | Source Raw Reference | Source Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.775 g/cm³ | TYPICAL | Test Temp: 20 °CCDA Physical Properties: Density 0.317 lb/cu in. at 68°F (8.775 g/cm³ at 20°C) | 0.317 lb/cu in. at 68°F | Copper Development Association Inc. | VERIFIED |
Thermal & Thermodynamic Properties
Phase change temperatures, thermal conductivity, specific heat, mean coefficients of thermal expansion across standardized temperature ranges, and recommended thermal processing windows.
| Property Parameter | Canonical SI Value | Semantic Basis | Test Temperature / Context Range | Source Raw Reference | Source Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquidus Temperature | 1068.3 °C | TYPICAL | CDA Physical Properties: Liquidus temperature 1955.0 °F (1068.3 °C) | 1955.0 °F | Copper Development Association Inc. | VERIFIED |
| Solidus Temperature | 1029.4 °C | TYPICAL | CDA Physical Properties: Solidus temperature 1885.0 °F (1029.4 °C) | 1885.0 °F | Copper Development Association Inc. | VERIFIED |
| Thermal Conductivity | 207.69 W/(m·K) | TYPICAL | Test Temp: 20 °CCDA Physical Properties: Thermal conductivity 120.0 Btu/(ft·hr·°F) (207.69 W/(m·K) at 20°C) | 120.0 Btu/ sq ft/ ft hr/ °F at 68°F | Copper Development Association Inc. | VERIFIED |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) | 17.64 µm/(m·K) | TYPICAL | CDA Physical Properties: CTE 9.8 µin/(in·°F) (17.64 µm/(m·K)) over range 68-39210°F | 9.8 10^-6 per °F | Copper Development Association Inc. | VERIFIED |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 418.7 J/(kg·K) | TYPICAL | Test Temp: 20 °CCDA Physical Properties: Specific heat 0.1 Btu/(lb·°F) (418.7 J/(kg·K)) | 0.1 Btu/ lb /°F at 68°F | Copper Development Association Inc. | VERIFIED |
Electrical Properties
Electrical conductivity and resistivity in their reported units and conditions.
| Property Parameter | Canonical SI Value | Semantic Basis | Test Temperature / Context Range | Source Raw Reference | Source Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Conductivity | 48 % IACS | TYPICAL | Test Temp: 20 °CCDA Physical Properties: Volume conductivity 48.0 % IACS at 68°F (20°C) | 48.0 % IACS at 68°F | Copper Development Association Inc. | VERIFIED |
| Electrical Conductivity | 45 % IACS | TYPICAL | Test Temp: 20 °CCDA Physical Properties: Volume conductivity 45.0 % IACS at 68°F (20°C) | 45.0 % IACS at 68°F | Copper Development Association Inc. | VERIFIED |
Contextual Mechanical Properties & Tempers
Engineering strength, ductility, and hardness values grouped by product form, temper, and section thickness. Mechanical properties are contextual and not isotropic averages.
Elastic & Baseline Mechanical ConstantsSource-specific measurement conditions
Modulus of Elasticity (Tension)
132.4 GPa
CDA Physical Properties: Elastic modulus in tension 19200.0 ksi (132.4 GPa)Modulus of Rigidity
51710.7 MPa
CDA Physical Properties: Shear modulus 7500.0 ksi (51710.7 MPa)Showing 24 of 24 conditions
| Product Form | Temper / Condition | Section Size | Tensile (UTS) | Yield Strength | Elongation | Shear Strength | Fatigue Strength | Hardness (Scales Preserved) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Products | 1/2 Hard and Precipitation Heat Treated (TH02) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 792.9 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 744.6 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — Elongation: 8 % (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 792.9 MPa | 744.6 MPa | 8 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | 1/2 Hard and Precipitation Heat Treated (TH02)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 98 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Rockwell 30T Hardness: 81 HR30T (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Fatigue Strength: 241.3 MPa (TYPICAL)10^8 cycles endurance limitCopper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | 241.3 MPa | 98 HRB81 HR30T | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | Hard and Precipitation Heat Treated (TH04) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 792.9 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 758.4 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — Elongation: 8 % (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 792.9 MPa | 758.4 MPa | 8 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | Hard and Precipitation Heat Treated (TH04)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 98 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Rockwell 30T Hardness: 81 HR30T (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 98 HRB81 HR30T | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | Precipitation Hardened (TF00) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 758.4 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 620.5 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — Elongation: 12 % (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 758.4 MPa | 620.5 MPa | 12 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | Precipitation Hardened (TF00)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 96 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Rockwell 30T Hardness: 80 HR30T (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 96 HRB80 HR30T | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | Solution Heat Treated (TB00) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 310.3 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 172.4 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — Elongation: 28 % (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 310.3 MPa | 172.4 MPa | 28 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | Solution Heat Treated (TB00)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 32 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Rockwell 30T Hardness: 36 HR30T (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 32 HRB36 HR30T | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | Solution Heat Treated and Cold Worked: 1/2 Hard (TD02) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 468.8 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 413.7 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — Elongation: 8 % (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 468.8 MPa | 413.7 MPa | 8 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | Solution Heat Treated and Cold Worked: 1/2 Hard (TD02)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 70 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Rockwell 30T Hardness: 64 HR30T (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 70 HRB64 HR30T | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | Solution Heat Treated and Cold Worked: Hard (TD04) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 537.8 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 482.6 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — Elongation: 5 % (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 537.8 MPa | 482.6 MPa | 5 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Flat Products | Solution Heat Treated and Cold Worked: Hard (TD04)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 83 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Rockwell 30T Hardness: 72 HR30T (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 83 HRB72 HR30T | VERIFIED |
| Forgings | Precipitation Hardened (TF00) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 792.9 MPa (TYPICAL)Section Size: 4; Section Size: 4 inCopper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 620.5 MPa (TYPICAL)Section Size: 4; Section Size: 4 in; Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — | 4 | 792.9 MPa | 620.5 MPa | — | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Forgings | Precipitation Hardened (TF00)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 92 HRB (TYPICAL)Section Size: 4; Section Size: 4 inCopper Development Association (CDA) — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | 92 HRB | VERIFIED |
| Forgings | Solution Heat Treated (TB00) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 289.6 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 137.9 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 289.6 MPa | 137.9 MPa | — | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Forgings | Solution Heat Treated (TB00)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 50 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 50 HRB | VERIFIED |
| Rod | Hard and Precipitation Heat Treated (TH04) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 792.9 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 758.4 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — Elongation: 14 % (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 792.9 MPa | 758.4 MPa | 14 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Rod | Hard and Precipitation Heat Treated (TH04)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 98 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 98 HRB | VERIFIED |
| Rod | Precipitation Hardened (TF00) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 758.4 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 620.5 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — Elongation: 18 % (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 758.4 MPa | 620.5 MPa | 18 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Rod | Precipitation Hardened (TF00)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 96 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 96 HRB | VERIFIED |
| Rod | Solution Heat Treated (TB00) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 310.3 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 172.4 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — Elongation: 28 % (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 310.3 MPa | 172.4 MPa | 28 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Rod | Solution Heat Treated (TB00)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 35 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 35 HRB | VERIFIED |
| Rod | Solution Heat Treated and Cold Worked: Hard (TD04) · 20 °CSource values and qualifiersTensile Strength: 496.4 MPa (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — Yield Strength (0.5% Ext): 448.2 MPa (TYPICAL)Yield strength at 0.5% extension under loadCopper Development Association (CDA) — Elongation: 12 % (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | 496.4 MPa | 448.2 MPa | 12 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Rod | Solution Heat Treated and Cold Worked: Hard (TD04)Source values and qualifiersRockwell B Hardness: 68 HRB (TYPICAL)Copper Development Association (CDA) — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 68 HRB | VERIFIED |
Hardness Integrity Notice: Rockwell B (HRB), Rockwell F (HRF), and Superficial 30T (HR30T) scales are reported on their measured scales without cross-scale mathematical conversion.
Source: See fact-level citations
Processing & Fabrication Characteristics
Machining, joining, forming, and thermal processing ratings cataloged from the cited authoritative technical reference.
Weldability & Joining
Soldering: Good; Brazing: Good; Oxyacetylene Welding: Not Recommended; Gas Shielded Arc Welding: Fair; Coated Metal Arc Welding: Fair; Spot Weld: Good; Seam Weld: Fair; Butt Weld: Fair
Forming & Cold Working
Capacity for Being Cold Worked: Excellent. Capacity for Being Hot Formed: Good.
Comparable Grades & Cross-References
Carefully classified cross-reference relationships for C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3). Comparable does not mean equivalent.
| Related Material | Family | Relationship Classification | Metallurgical Notes & Differences | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C17200 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 25) | Copper Alloys | Commonly Compared | C17510 prioritizes electrical and thermal conductivity (45-60% IACS, 225 W/(m·K)) with moderate strength, whereas C17200 prioritizes maximum tensile strength (up to 1400 MPa) and hardness (up to 45 HRC).Materials serve different design priorities (e.g. higher strength vs superior corrosion resistance or cost). | VERIFIED | Side-by-Side Compare → |
| C17500 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 10) | Copper Alloys | Close Equivalent | C17510 (Cu-Ni-Be) and C17500 (Cu-Co-Be) are interchangeable high-conductivity beryllium copper alloys offering identical mechanical and electrical property profiles.Direct commercial substitution is generally permissible subject to certified Mill Test Report (MTR) confirmation for critical applications. | VERIFIED | Side-by-Side Compare → |
Sources & Provenance Trail
Reference publications and standards organization registers cited across this material record.
Copper Development Association Inc.CDA Alloy C17510 Property & Specification Profile
AUTHORITATIVE BODY
Copper Development Association authoritative technical reference profile for C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3).
Issuing Body: Copper Development Association (CDA)View Source Record ↗
Copper Development Association Inc.CDA UNS Standard Designations Register (C17510)
AUTHORITATIVE BODY
Unified Numbering System (UNS) designation registration register confirming active C17510 status.
Issuing Body: Copper Development Association (CDA)View Source Record ↗
Intellectual Property & Provenance Notice: Mat Grades cites technical literature from recognized industry associations and standards organizations. Underlying technical standards and publication data remain the intellectual property of their respective issuing organizations.