Beryllium Copper Fabrication · Miami Gardens, Florida

Beryllium Copper Fabrication

Most shops will not touch beryllium copper. We laser cut and form C17200, C17510 and C17000 sheet into contacts, springs, shields and connector parts, with controlled handling under the OSHA beryllium standard, in an AS9100 certified, ITAR registered facility.

C17200 · C17510 · C17000|OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1024 Handling|Fiber Laser Cut|AS9100 Rev D|ITAR Registered

Overview

A Fabricator That Works With Beryllium Copper

Beryllium copper combines the highest strength of any copper alloy with good electrical and thermal conductivity, fatigue resistance, and non-magnetic, non-sparking behavior. Engineers specify it for contacts, springs, connectors, EMI shielding and test hardware where a part has to carry current and flex millions of times.

It is also a material that needs respect on the shop floor, which is why few fabricators accept it. MJM has the procedures, training and equipment to process it safely, and the AS9100 Rev D and ISO 9001:2015 quality system and ITAR registration that aerospace, defense and electronics programs require. For cutting detail see beryllium copper laser cutting.

Safety

Handling Beryllium Copper Correctly

Solid beryllium copper sheet and finished parts are safe to handle. The hazard is airborne dust and fume created by cutting, grinding, sanding or machining, which is a serious respiratory hazard if inhaled.

  • MJM follows the OSHA beryllium exposure standard, 29 CFR 1910.1024.
  • Engineering controls: ventilation, fume extraction and containment at the process.
  • Personal protective equipment and trained personnel for all beryllium copper work.
  • Work performed under controlled conditions, with scrap segregated.

Alloys

Beryllium Copper Alloys We Process

Alloy Characteristics and Use
C17200 (Alloy 25) The most widely used grade and the strongest after age hardening. Connectors, springs, contacts, switches and precision instruments.
C17510 Lower beryllium content with higher electrical and thermal conductivity. Welding electrodes, contacts and current-carrying parts.
C17000 (Alloy 165) Intermediate grade balancing strength and conductivity. Bushings, non-sparking tools and specialty electronic parts.

Put the alloy and temper on the drawing, and note whether parts are to be supplied in the mill temper or age hardened after forming. Material is purchased with mill certifications and full lot traceability.

Processes

How We Fabricate Beryllium Copper

Fiber Laser Cutting

Beryllium copper is highly reflective, which makes it a poor fit for CO2 lasers. Our Amada fiber lasers cut it cleanly with nitrogen assist for oxide-free edges that matter on electrical contacts. Tolerance ±0.005 in.

Forming

Press brake forming of contacts, clips, springs and shields, with bend radii and grain direction planned for the temper.

Small Parts and Panels

Nested panels of many small contacts or spring fingers cut from one sheet to conserve an expensive material.

Inspection

Amada Fabri-Vision optical inspection of flat parts against CAD, Keyence optical and CMM measurement, and AS9102 first article reports.

Documentation

Material certifications, lot traceability and certificates of conformance for aerospace and defense programs.

Controlled Programs

ITAR registered for defense articles and technical data.

Applications

Where Beryllium Copper Is Specified

  • Electrical connectors and contacts: connector bodies, contact fingers, switch blades and high-cycle contacts.
  • Precision springs: flat springs and clips with long fatigue life.
  • EMI and RF shielding: finger stock, gaskets and shield cans.
  • Semiconductor and test equipment: sockets, probes and fixtures.
  • Defense and aerospace electronics: see defense and aerospace.

Straight Talk

What to Know Before You Order

Beryllium copper is expensive and often has long mill lead times, so material price and availability drive the quote; send quantities and alloy early. We work in sheet and strip, not bar or castings.

If the part does not need the spring properties, plain copper or brass may do the job for much less. We will tell you if that looks like the case.

FAQ

Beryllium Copper Questions

Does MJM fabricate beryllium copper?

Yes. MJM Manufacturing laser cuts and forms beryllium copper sheet, including C17200, C17510 and C17000, at its AS9100 certified, ITAR registered facility in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Is beryllium copper dangerous to fabricate?

Solid beryllium copper sheet and finished parts are safe to handle. Cutting, grinding or machining creates beryllium-containing dust and fume that is a respiratory hazard, so MJM follows the OSHA beryllium standard, 29 CFR 1910.1024, with ventilation, containment, PPE and trained personnel.

Which beryllium copper alloys does MJM process?

C17200 (Alloy 25), C17510 and C17000 (Alloy 165), in sheet and strip.

Why is a fiber laser used for beryllium copper?

Beryllium copper is highly reflective, which makes it difficult for CO2 lasers. Fiber lasers cut it cleanly, and nitrogen assist gas leaves oxide-free edges suited to electrical contacts.

What is beryllium copper used for?

Electrical connectors and contacts, precision springs, EMI and RF shielding, semiconductor test hardware, non-sparking tools and defense and aerospace electronics.

Can MJM support ITAR beryllium copper programs?

Yes. MJM is ITAR registered and AS9100 Rev D certified, with material traceability and first article inspection for defense and aerospace programs.

Related

Related Services

Send Us Your BeCu Drawings

STEP files and PDF drawings to sales@mjmmfg.com or (305) 620-2020. Quotes in 24 to 48 hours.