Specifications:

1. Good Strength and Hardness:

   • Tensile strength: 500–850 MPa (depending on heat treatment).

   • Hardness: 150–250 HV.

2. Excellent Electrical Conductivity:

   • ~45–60% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard).

   • Higher conductivity than CuBe2 but lower strength.

3. Thermal Conductivity:

   • ~250 W/m·K, making it suitable for thermal management applications.

4. Non-Sparking:

   • Safe for use in explosive or hazardous environments.

5. Corrosion Resistance:

   • Good resistance to atmospheric and industrial corrosion.

6. Good Wear Resistance:

   • Suitable for components under mechanical stress.

Applications:

CuCo2Be is used in applications where good electrical and thermal conductivity are required, along with moderate mechanical strength:

• Electrical and Electronic Components:

  • Connectors, switches, and relays.

• Resistance Welding:

  • Electrodes and welding tips.

• Aerospace and Automotive:

  • High-performance electrical connectors and springs.

• Oil and Gas:

  • Non-sparking tools for hazardous environments.

• Heat Sinks:

  • Components requiring efficient heat dissipation.

Heat Treatment:

To achieve optimal properties, CuCo2Be undergoes a heat treatment process:

1. Solution Annealing:

   • Heating to ~950–980°C to dissolve cobalt and beryllium into the copper matrix.

2. Quenching:

   • Rapid cooling to retain alloying elements in solution.

3. Aging (Precipitation Hardening):

   • Controlled heating at ~450–500°C to precipitate cobalt and beryllium phases, increasing strength and hardness.

Standards and Norms:

CuCo2Be is standardized under various international norms:

1. UNS (Unified Numbering System):

   • C17500 (U.S. designation).

2. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials):

   • ASTM B441: Copper-cobalt-beryllium alloy rods, bars, and forgings.

   • ASTM B534: Copper-cobalt-beryllium alloy plates, sheets, and strips.

3. EN Standards (European Norms):

   • Similar alloys may be categorized under CW104C.

Comparison with Other Copper Alloys:

• Versus CuBe2:

  • CuCo2Be has higher electrical and thermal conductivity but lower strength and hardness.

• Versus CuCrZr and CuNi2Si:

  • CuCo2Be offers slightly lower strength but better electrical conductivity.

• Versus CuCoNiBe:

  • Similar composition but with a higher emphasis on electrical conductivity in CuCo2Be.

Advantages and Considerations:

• CuCo2Be is valued for its balance of conductivity and mechanical performance.

• It is less hazardous than CuBe2 because of its lower beryllium content, though safety precautions are still necessary during machining or processing.

• This alloy is ideal for applications where moderate strength and excellent conductivity are required, especially in environments where safety and performance are critical.