C17200 (UNS C17200) Beryllium Copper
High-Strength Precipitation-Hardenable Copper
What Is C17200 Copper?
C17200 (also called Alloy 25 or CuBe2) is a precipitation-hardenable copper alloy that develops the highest strength and hardness of any copper-based material. In the peak-aged condition, ultimate tensile strength can exceed 200 ksi (1380 MPa) and hardness approaches Rockwell C45 — properties similar to those of high-strength steel. Despite this strength, the alloy retains useful electrical conductivity (minimum 22% IACS in the fully aged condition) and excellent thermal conductivity.
C17200 is supplied in solution-annealed temper for forming and machining, then age-hardened by the customer to develop final mechanical properties. This processing flexibility allows complex parts to be formed in a soft, easily worked condition and then hardened to full strength after final shaping.
The alloy is the industry standard for high-performance springs, electrical contacts, and connectors that must combine high cycle fatigue resistance, electrical conductivity, and the ability to retain spring force over long service life. It is also non-magnetic and non-sparking, making it well-suited to demanding service in oil and gas and explosive environments.
Standards and Designations
Common Names & Cross-References
Designation | Value |
|---|---|
Common Names | Beryllium Copper, BeCu 25, Alloy 25, CuBe2, Copper Beryllium |
UNS | C17200 |
CDA | 172 |
EN (Europe) | CW101C / CuBe2 |
DIN (Germany) | 2.1247 |
JIS (Japan) | C1720 |
Mill Brand Names | Brush 25®, Berylco® 25, Materion Alloy 25 |
Properties of C17200
C17200 Chemical Composition
|
Element |
Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) + Additives | Balance |
| Beryllium (Be) | 1.80 – 2.00 |
| Cobalt (Co) + Nickel (Ni) | 0.20 min |
| Cobalt + Nickel + Iron | 0.6 max |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.20 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20 max |
Typical Mechanical Properties
|
Property |
Solution Annealed (TB00) |
Peak Aged (TF00) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 60-78 ksi (415-540 MPa) | 175-200 ksi (1210-1380 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 20-30 ksi | 150-180 ksi (1035-1240 MPa) |
| Elongation (in 2 in.) | 35-60% | 3-10% |
| Hardness | Rockwell B 45-78 | Rockwell C 36-44 |
| Conductivity (% IACS) | 15-19% | 22% min |
About C17200 Copper
Key Features & Advantages
- Highest strength and hardness of any copper-based alloy after age-hardening
- Excellent fatigue resistance and stress relaxation behavior
- Useful electrical conductivity — minimum 22% IACS in fully aged condition
- Excellent thermal conductivity for heat dissipation
- Non-magnetic and non-sparking — safe in explosive environments
- Strong corrosion resistance in industrial atmospheres and seawater
- Available in mill-hardened (TM) and heat-treatable tempers for processing flexibility
Common Applications of C17200
- Electrical contacts, connectors, and switch components
- Precision springs and high-cycle fatigue components
- Oil and gas downhole tools and instrumentation
- Non-sparking tools and explosion-proof hardware
- Aerospace bushings, bearings, and electrical components
- Plastic injection mold cores requiring high thermal conductivity
- EMI/RFI shielding components
Primary Markets Served
- Electrical & Electronic
- Aerospace & Defense
- Oil & Gas
- Industrial Manufacturing & Tooling
When to Specify C17200
- C17200 vs. C17500 — C17500 (Cu-Ni-Be) has higher conductivity (~50% IACS) but lower strength. Use C17500 for higher current applications; use C17200 for maximum strength.
- C17200 vs. C51000 phosphor bronze — C17200 has approximately 2x the strength and better stress relaxation, but at significantly higher cost. C51000 is the workhorse; C17200 is for critical or high-performance applications.
- C17200 vs. stainless steel springs — C17200 has higher conductivity and better non-sparking performance. Stainless steel is more economical for non-electrical springs.
- C17200 vs. steel non-sparking tools — C17200 is the gold standard for non-sparking tools used in explosive atmospheres (refineries, chemical plants, mines).
Why Source 21?
- ISO 9001-certified quality system with full chemistry and mechanical traceability on every shipment
- Multi-million dollar national inventory across stainless, nickel alloys, copper, and brass
- Strong domestic and international mill relationships, including premium specialty mill partnerships
- In-house slitting, edging, leveling, and cut-to-length capabilities
- Contract programs, blanket orders, and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) for production accounts
- Responsive technical support for tight-tolerance and certification-driven work
Request A Quote
Contact Source 21 today for C17200 Beryllium Copper pricing, availability, and processing options. Our team responds quickly, asks the right questions, and gets you accurate quotes on real material — not vague placeholders.
Call 631-821-1101 or request a quote online to get started.