C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3)
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Key Engineering Properties
Representative source rows, qualified by their reported conditions. Inspect the tables below for all values, limits, and source notes.
Engineering 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.
C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3) Documented Applications
- ›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.
C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3) Specifications & Designations
Standard Designations & Applicable Specifications — Semantically classified designations distinguishing primary standard identifiers, commercial trade names, and applicable specification references.
| 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 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 |
| 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 |
C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3) Chemical Composition
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 |
C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3) 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 |
C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3) 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 |
C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3) 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 |
C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3) Mechanical Properties
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.
| 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 |
C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3) Processing & Fabrication
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.
Practical Engineering & Fabrication Notes
By Mat Grades Editorial Desk · Updated 2026-11-14. Use alongside the specified product standard and supplier certificate.
Machining & shop-floor behavior
For C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3), a qualified cutting-speed or tool-life recommendation is not supplied in the available record. A relevant hardness example is Rockwell B Hardness: 98 HRB (typical; 1/2 Hard and Precipitation Heat Treated (TH02), TH02, Flat Products). Use that supplied condition for a trial of the difficult feature. Record tool changes, burr removal, unclamped dimensions and accepted parts per hour. Relative machinability ratings from different reference scales should not be compared as if they were one common test.
Weldability, brazing & joining
The available joining assessment states: 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 The first cataloged strength example is Tensile Strength: 792.9 MPa (typical; 1/2 Hard and Precipitation Heat Treated (TH02), TH02, Flat Products; test temperature 20 °C). Assess the final part after joining or thermal processing. Include distortion, cleanup and inspection in the quotation. A material designation or favorable process rating is a starting point for qualification, not evidence that an untested joint meets the drawing.
Corrosion & service environment
Review the working fluid, cleaning agents and dissimilar-metal contacts as separate exposures. The word copper, brass or bronze is too broad to establish compatibility. A process rating does not qualify a pressure boundary, and a thermal-property measurement does not establish a continuous service-temperature limit. The recorded thermal example is Thermal Conductivity: 207.69 W/(m·K) (typical; ; test temperature 20 °C). State the exposure and inspection access in the design record so that a change of installation or cleaning method triggers a review. The selected composition entries are Fe maximum 0.1 wt%, Ni 1.4–2.2 wt%. Chemistry documents identity; it does not establish fluid compatibility.
Selection trade-offs & applications
Use UNS C17510, COMMERCIAL Beryllium Copper Alloy 3, CDA Alloy 175.1 to identify the candidate, then specify the product form and delivered condition separately. The catalog lists Conductors: Corrosion Resistance as an application example. The related candidate C17200 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 25) is linked for comparison; its commonly compared relationship must be checked before substitution. Compare the complete route through machining, joining, finish and inspection. Keep the certificate, required test location and acceptance criteria with the first-article record. A later change of grade, condition or source should be assessed against that same requirement.
Technical references: Copper Development Association (CDA); Copper Development Association (CDA)
C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3) Equivalent & Comparable Grades
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 | |
| 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 |
Beryllium Copper Alloy Family
Copper alloys sharing common alloying formulations and metallurgical classifications under the Beryllium Copper branch.
Sources
Sources & Provenance Trail: Authoritative reference publications, standards specifications, and data registers cited across this material record.
Copper Development Association authoritative technical reference profile for C17510 Beryllium Copper (Alloy 3).
Unified Numbering System (UNS) designation registration register confirming active C17510 status.