Beryllium copper alloy is a highly versatile alloy that exhibits excellent malleability and castability. It is a copper-based alloy that undergoes aging precipitation strengthening. Through the process of quenching and aging treatment, it acquires remarkable strength, hardness, elastic limit, and stability. This alloy possesses a range of advantageous properties, including corrosion resistance, wear resistance, fatigue resistance, low temperature resistance, non-magnetic properties, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Notably, it does not produce sparks upon impact, earning it the title of the “king of colored elastic materials.”

Beryllium-copper materials can be broadly categorized into two types: high-strength and high-elasticity beryllium copper alloys (containing 1.6%-2.1% beryllium) and high-conductivity beryllium-copper alloys (containing 0.2%-0.7% beryllium). Depending on the manufacturing method, they can be further classified as processed alloys or cast alloys. Over the years, the application range of beryllium copper alloy has expanded significantly, finding widespread use in various industries such as electronics, communication, aerospace, petrochemical, metallurgy, mining, automotive, household appliances, and machinery manufacturing. It has become an indispensable industrial material for the national economy. Beryllium copper alloy represents the primary form of beryllium consumption worldwide, accounting for 65% to 75% of the total. During the 1980s, its consumption grew at an average annual rate of 6%, which accelerated to 10% in the 1990s, mainly driven by the electronics industry with telecommunications and digital communications playing a crucial role. By the late 1990s, growth was particularly robust, fueled by the immense impact of mobile telephony and the Internet.

Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on developing new applications for beryllium-copper alloys in the automotive electrical and electronics market, driven by the automotive industry’s need for reduced emissions. According to CRU estimates, global consumption of beryllium-copper alloys reached approximately 27,300 tonnes in 2007. However, compared to other countries, beryllium copper production in my country faces challenges due to outdated technical equipment and limited automation control. The average comprehensive energy consumption in the beryllium copper industry is 2 to 3 times higher than that of developed countries. This discrepancy arises from several factors, including small-scale equipment, low automation levels, outdated technology and equipment, and low yield. This paper aims to provide a brief overview of the main properties and heat treatment processes of beryllium copper alloy both domestically and internationally, as well as the current status, trends, and applications in the beryllium copper industry market.

The Application of Beryllium Copper Alloy in Mold Material

Beryllium copper alloy is widely used in mold materials for injection and blow molding in the production of plastic, glass, and metal products. This alloy exhibits excellent casting properties, allowing for the production of high-precision castings with complex shapes and clear patterns. It is known for its high strength, hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. The high thermal conductivity of beryllium copper improves the forming cycle and ensures a long service life. Additionally, it can be easily welded and repaired without compromising its strength. Its resistance to rust makes it easy to maintain. Due to these advantages, the demand for beryllium copper alloy in mold materials is significant.

Furthermore, using beryllium copper mold material ensures uniform mold wall temperature, reduces cooling time, simplifies mold structure by reducing cooling pipes, and allows for increased material temperature. These factors contribute to improved product quality, reduced wall thickness, and lower product costs. Beryllium copper’s strength, hardness, and resistance to mold temperature stress significantly enhance the mold’s service life. Before selecting beryllium copper mold materials, it is essential to consider their yield strength, elastic modulus, thermal conductivity, and temperature expansion coefficient. Beryllium copper surpasses die steel in thermal stress resistance, making it a remarkable choice for molds.

The Application of Beryllium Copper Alloy in Automobiles

Beryllium copper tape is extensively used in automotive electronic components, particularly in engine compartment parts such as engine control systems. These components operate under high temperatures and experience severe vibrations. With the constant addition of new features to vehicles produced in North America, Europe, Japan, and South Korea, the use of electronic components has increased. Automotive contactor consumption is another significant market for beryllium copper alloys. In the late 1990s, BmSh, №llm Hoe Company developed a new low beryllium high conductivity beryllium copper alloy called 17l alloy. This alloy, used in automobile relays and switches, replaces Co with Ni, resulting in lower costs. As vehicle production and the number of electronic components per vehicle continue to grow, the demand for automotive beryllium copper alloys is expected to increase rapidly.

The Application of Beryllium Copper Alloy in Computers

The demand for fast and stable data transmission, broadband, and low power consumption drives the use of beryllium copper alloys in computers. These alloys exhibit higher electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, elasticity, and strength compared to inexpensive materials, ensuring better reliability. Computers represent a significant market for beryllium copper, with applications in springs, contactors (connectors), and switches. Shipments of notebook computers and personal computers have been on the rise, further fueling the demand for beryllium copper alloys.

The Application of Beryllium Copper Alloy in Electrical and Electronic Components

Beryllium copper alloys find extensive use in electrical and electronic components, particularly in springs, contactors, switches, and relays. They are utilized as contactors in computers, optical communication equipment, sockets connecting integrated circuit boards and printed circuit boards (especially with beryllium copper wires), and automobiles. The increasing precision of mobile phones and notebooks necessitates smaller, lighter, and more durable contactors, driving the demand for beryllium copper components. Telecommunication applications also employ beryllium copper alloys coated with precious metals for telephone connectors and cellular battery chargers. China’s electronic components market has experienced significant growth, with electronic component sales revenue reaching billions of dollars annually. The semiconductor market in China has seen substantial growth, making it one of the largest component markets worldwide.