Inquiry
Form loading...
Precision-engineered copper alloys trusted by aerospace OEMs and defense contractors worldwide
C17200 Beryllium Copper — also known as Alloy 25 or UNS C17200 — is the most widely used beryllium copper alloy in the world. It contains approximately 1.8–2.0% beryllium and 0.2–0.6% cobalt or nickel, delivering an extraordinary combination of mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance that no other copper alloy can match.
In the demanding world of aerospace engineering, where every gram matters and every component must perform flawlessly under extreme conditions, C17200 beryllium copper has become the material of choice for engineers designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and advanced defense systems. Its unique property profile — tensile strength up to 1,400 MPa after age hardening, conductivity of 22–28% IACS, and operating temperature range from cryogenic levels to over 200°C — makes it irreplaceable in critical aerospace applications.
Understanding the precise material properties of C17200 is essential for aerospace engineers specifying materials for critical applications. The following table summarizes the key properties in both annealed and age-hardened conditions:
| Property | Annealed (A) | Age Hardened (AT) | Aerospace Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 415–620 MPa | 1,100–1,400 MPa | Structural integrity under flight loads |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 170–380 MPa | 1,000–1,250 MPa | Spring & fastener reliability |
| Hardness (Rockwell) | 45–78 HRB | 36–42 HRC | Wear resistance in moving parts |
| Electrical Conductivity | 15–18% IACS | 22–28% IACS | Avionics & EMI shielding |
| Thermal Conductivity | 105–130 W/m·K | Heat dissipation in electronics | |
| Density | 8.26 g/cm³ | Weight-critical design | |
| Elastic Modulus | 128 GPa | Dimensional stability | |
| Operating Temperature | -269°C to +230°C | Cryogenic & high-temp environments | |
| Fatigue Strength | Up to 550 MPa | Cyclic load endurance | |
From commercial jetliners to deep-space probes, C17200 enables mission-critical performance across the full aerospace spectrum
C17200 beryllium copper bushings, bearings, and pivot pins are used in landing gear assemblies due to their exceptional strength, non-sparking properties, and resistance to galling — critical for safe retraction cycles under enormous compressive loads.
In the vacuum of space, C17200 springs and electrical contacts maintain consistent contact force across extreme thermal cycling from -150°C to +150°C, ensuring reliable signal transmission in communication satellites and deep-space probes.
Beryllium copper C17200 finger stocks, gaskets, and spring contacts provide superior electromagnetic interference shielding in avionics enclosures, protecting sensitive navigation, radar, and communication electronics from interference.
High-strength C17200 bolts, nuts, and fittings are specified for airframe joints where conventional stainless steel would be too heavy or insufficiently conductive, offering an optimal strength-to-weight ratio in structural connections.
In guidance systems, fuzes, and munition components, C17200's non-magnetic and non-sparking characteristics prevent accidental ignition, while its hardness ensures dimensional precision under ballistic shock and vibration loads.
Rocket engine fuel systems operating on liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen require materials that retain ductility at cryogenic temperatures. C17200 beryllium copper maintains excellent mechanical properties down to -269°C, making it ideal for cryogenic valve seats and seals.
The combination of high strength and good electrical conductivity makes C17200 the preferred material for radar waveguide components, antenna mounts, and high-frequency connector pins where signal integrity is paramount.
Ultra-precision gyroscope gimbal rings and inertial measurement unit components are machined from C17200 beryllium copper for its exceptional dimensional stability, low creep, and non-magnetic properties essential for accurate navigation.
Bearing retainers, thrust washers, and bushing components in auxiliary power units and turbine accessory gearboxes benefit from C17200's ability to handle high cyclic loads, elevated temperatures, and corrosive environments simultaneously.
The aerospace beryllium copper market is evolving rapidly — driven by next-generation aircraft programs, space commercialization, and defense modernization
The global beryllium copper market was valued at approximately USD 580 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 890 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%. Aerospace and defense applications account for over 35% of total beryllium copper consumption, making it the single largest end-use segment. North America leads in consumption, driven by Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and NASA programs, while Asia-Pacific — particularly China — is the fastest-growing market, fueled by COMAC's C919 program, China's space station development, and rapidly expanding domestic defense procurement.
The supply chain for beryllium — a rare strategic material — is highly concentrated, with the United States (Materion Corporation) and Kazakhstan controlling over 90% of global beryllium production. This concentration creates strategic supply risks that are driving aerospace OEMs to qualify multiple suppliers and invest in recycling technologies to recover beryllium from scrap.
The rise of SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and dozens of New Space companies is driving unprecedented demand for high-performance beryllium copper components in rocket engines, satellite constellations, and reusable launch vehicles. Starlink alone requires millions of high-reliability connectors per year.
Boeing 777X, Airbus A321XLR, and emerging hybrid-electric aircraft programs are specifying advanced materials including C17200 for weight reduction and electrification. More-electric aircraft architectures increase the demand for high-conductivity, high-strength copper alloys throughout the airframe.
Global defense spending surpassed USD 2.2 trillion in 2023. Hypersonic weapons, directed-energy systems, advanced radar, and next-generation fighter programs all require C17200 beryllium copper for guidance systems, RF components, and structural elements that must withstand extreme environments.
Aerospace manufacturers are increasingly focused on beryllium copper recycling and closed-loop supply chains to reduce environmental impact and secure supply. Advanced powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing techniques are enabling near-net-shape C17200 components, reducing material waste by up to 60%.
Precision CNC machining centers capable of holding ±2μm tolerances, wire EDM, and laser cutting technologies are enabling increasingly complex C17200 aerospace components. Kepai's investment in advanced processing equipment ensures we can meet the tightest aerospace dimensional specifications.
China's C919 commercial aircraft, AG600 amphibious aircraft, and ambitious space programs including the lunar exploration and Mars missions are creating significant new demand for domestically sourced beryllium copper alloys that meet international aerospace standards including AMS and ASTM specifications.
When aerospace design engineers evaluate materials for demanding applications, C17200 beryllium copper consistently outperforms competing materials across multiple performance dimensions:
| Material | Tensile Strength | Conductivity (%IACS) | Non-Magnetic | Non-Sparking | Machinability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C17200 BeCu | 1,400 MPa | 22–28% | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 17-4 PH Stainless | 1,310 MPa | 2–3% | ❌ | ❌ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ti-6Al-4V | 1,000 MPa | 1% | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐ |
| 7075-T6 Aluminum | 572 MPa | 33% | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Inconel 718 | 1,380 MPa | 1.7% | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐ |
Sichuan Kepai New Material Co., Ltd.
Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd., established in 2017, is a high-tech enterprise integrating research and development, production, and sales. Currently, the factory covers an area of approximately 9,000 square meters, with an office space of about 1,000 square meters. The company primarily engages in the production of strategic emerging new materials for the national 13th Five-Year Plan, including special copper alloys such as tellurium copper, high-conductivity oxygen-free copper, silver copper, and dispersion copper, while also focusing on the research and development of high-conductivity, easy-to-machine, high-strength copper alloys. The products are mainly applied in high-tech fields such as new energy vehicles, 5G technology, laser cutting, and lithium battery relays.
The company is located in the western area of the Sichuan Guanghan Industrial Development Zone, adjacent to National Highway 108, boasting a superior geographical location and convenient transportation, which lays a solid foundation for the rapid development of the enterprise. Since its establishment, Kepai has adhered to the business philosophy of "innovation-driven development, quality wins the market," committed to providing customers with the highest quality high-end copper alloy materials, and promoting industrial upgrading and sustainable development.
Technological innovation is the core competitiveness of Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. The company has a research and development and production team composed of senior industry experts who keep pace with international cutting-edge technology trends and continuously explore the unknown boundaries in the field of new copper alloy materials. Through a combination of independent research and development and industry-university-research collaboration, Kepai has made breakthrough progress in several areas, including high-performance tellurium copper, lead copper, and sulfur copper. Many of its technological achievements have reached international advanced levels and have been successfully applied in various industries such as new energy vehicles, precision machining parts, plasma cutting, relays, and energy storage, earning widespread recognition and praise in the market.
Kepai's product line is rich and diverse, covering a comprehensive range of solutions from basic materials to high-end customization. We focus on providing customers with high-performance, high-quality high-end copper alloy products, including but not limited to pure copper, oxygen-free copper, oxygen-free high-conductivity tellurium copper, nickel tellurium copper, tin bronze, beryllium copper, lead bronze, sulfur copper, and chromium zirconium copper. These products play an important role in reducing production costs and enhancing product performance due to their excellent physical and chemical properties and environmental friendliness, creating significant economic and social benefits for customers.
In the face of global market competition, Sichuan Kepai New Materials adheres to the development strategy of "rooted in Sichuan, radiating nationwide, and moving towards the world." By continuously optimizing market layout and improving the sales network, we have established a stable customer base in multiple provinces and cities across the country and have formed long-term cooperative relationships with several internationally renowned enterprises. At the same time, the company actively expands into overseas markets, participates in international competition and cooperation, and strives to promote Kepai's brand influence on the global stage.
We understand that the long-term development of an enterprise is inseparable from an excellent corporate culture. We advocate the corporate spirit of "integrity, innovation, collaboration, and win-win," encouraging employees to explore boldly and innovate courageously, while also emphasizing teamwork and talent cultivation, striving to create a harmonious, open, and inclusive work atmosphere. We believe that only by continuously pursuing excellence and creating value can we win the trust of customers and the respect of society.
State-of-the-art manufacturing and testing equipment ensuring aerospace-grade quality for every C17200 beryllium copper product
Smelting
Laying-off
Extrusion
Drawing
Straightening
Package
Eddy Current Conductance Instrument
Chemical Composition Test Room
Metallographic Sample Polishing Machine
Microcomputer Controlled Electro-Hydraulic Servo Universal Testing Machine
Liquid Crystal Display Electronic Universal Testing Machine
Hardness Tester
Looking ahead, Sichuan Kepai New Materials Co., Ltd. will continue to uphold its original intention, with even greater enthusiasm and determination, to engage in research and application in the field of new materials, contributing to the development of the new copper alloy materials industry in China and globally. We look forward to working hand in hand with friends from all walks of life to create a brilliant future together!
Explore C17200 Aerospace Solutions →Explore Kepai's full range of high-performance copper alloys for aerospace and defense applications
