Copper nickel beryllium C17510 (Alloy 3) C17510

spore: profile
id: copper-nickel-beryllium-c17510
spore_version: 0.2
family: copper-alloys
name: Copper nickel beryllium C17510 (Alloy 3)
abbreviation: C17510
role: high-conductivity precipitation-hardening copper alloy
category: metals
type: copper-alloys
summary: |
  C17510 is a copper alloy with 0.20 to 0.60 wt% beryllium and 1.4 to 2.2 wt% nickel, the balance copper, sold by Materion as Alloy 3. Materion gives a typical elastic modulus of 138 GPa and a thermal conductivity of 240 W/m K at 25 °C for the heat-treated condition. Its typical yield strength is 550 to 690 MPa in the AT (TF00) temper and 650 to 830 MPa in the HT (TH04) temper.
best_for: Strong, electrically conductive springs and switch contacts that can be heat treated (Materion and Smiths High Performance)
weakest_at: 'Beryllium content: the datasheets warn of serious lung disease from airborne beryllium, and no space test data were found'
identity:
  formula: Cu balance with Be 0.20 to 0.60 wt% and Ni 1.4 to 2.2 wt% (copper-nickel-beryllium precipitation-hardening alloy, UNS C17510)
  source: materion-alloy3
  where: 'Chemical Composition table, weight percent: Beryllium 0.20 - 0.60, Nickel 1.4 - 2.2, Copper balance; UNS# C17510 in the Industry Standards line'
  designations:
    - system: UNS
      code: C17510
      source: materion-alloy3
      where: Industry Standards and Specifications line, UNS# C17510
    - system: Trade name
      code: Alloy 3
      source: materion-alloy3
      where: Title, Alloy 3 (C17510) Strip
tags:
  applications:
    - electronics-and-chips
    - thermal-control
properties:
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, C17510 (Materion typical, heat-treated condition)
    value: 8.83
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: C17510 (Alloy 3)
      condition: precipitation age hardened (heat treated), per the datasheet footnote
      basis: typical value
    method: Typical value printed in a manufacturer data sheet; footnote says properties are listed for the precipitation age hardened condition
    status: ground
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Physical Properties table, Density column
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, C17510 (Fisk Alloy Wire page)
    value: 0.317
    unit: lb/in³
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: C17510
      temperature: not stated on the page
    method: Value printed on the Fisk Alloy Wire product page; unit as printed, not converted
    status: ground
    note: Same value as the Smiths typical density of .317 lbs./in3 at 68 °F.
    source: fiskalloy-c17510
    where: Physical Properties list, Density row
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting point (solidus), C17510 (Materion typical)
    value: 1040
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: C17510 (Alloy 3)
      unit_in_source: 1900 °F
      condition: heat-treated, per the datasheet footnote
    method: Typical value printed in a manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    note: Fisk Alloy Wire prints a different solidus (1,750 °F); both kept, not reconciled.
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Physical Properties table, Melting Point (Solidus) column
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting point (solidus), C17510 (Fisk Alloy Wire page)
    value: 1750
    unit: °F
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: C17510
      basis: solidus as printed
    method: Value printed on the Fisk Alloy Wire product page; unit as printed, not converted
    status: ground
    note: Materion prints a solidus of 1040 °C (1900 °F) for the same grade; the two sources disagree.
    source: fiskalloy-c17510
    where: Physical Properties list, Melting Point (Solidus) row
  - benchmark: electrical_conductivity
    label: Electrical conductivity, C17510 (Materion typical, heat-treated)
    value: 45
    value_high: 60
    bound: range
    unit: '%IACS'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      condition: precipitation age hardened (heat treated)
      temperature: not stated
    method: Typical range printed in a manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    note: Electrical conductivity in %IACS is not a canonical benchmark, so the snake-case name electrical_conductivity is used.
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Physical Properties table, Electrical Conductivity/resistivity column
  - benchmark: electrical_conductivity
    label: Electrical conductivity, C17510 minimum in the HT (TH04) temper (Smiths)
    value: 48
    bound: lower
    unit: '%IACS'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: HT (TH04)
      basis: minimum value
    method: Minimum value printed in a manufacturer technical datasheet
    status: ground
    note: Snake-case name electrical_conductivity, as above.
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row Electrical Conductivity %IACS min., column H HT (TH04)
  - benchmark: electrical_resistivity
    label: Electrical resistivity, C17510 (Materion typical, heat-treated)
    value: 2.9
    value_high: 3.8
    bound: range
    unit: μΩ-cm
    scope: material
    conditions:
      condition: precipitation age hardened (heat treated)
      temperature: not stated
    method: Typical range printed in a manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Physical Properties table, Electrical Conductivity/resistivity column
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, C17510 at 25 °C (Materion typical, heat-treated)
    value: 240
    unit: W/m K
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 25 °C
      condition: precipitation age hardened (heat treated)
    method: Typical value printed in a manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    note: Smiths prints a different value in other units (see the 145 row); the two are not converted to one unit.
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Physical Properties table, Thermal Conductivity (25 °C) column
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, C17510 at 68 °F (Smiths typical)
    value: 145
    unit: BTU/(ft. x hr. x °F)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 68 °F
      basis: typical value
    method: Typical value printed in a manufacturer technical datasheet; unit as printed, not converted
    status: ground
    note: Materion prints 240 W/m K at 25 °C for the same grade; both kept as printed.
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Physical Properties (typical) list, Thermal Conductivity BTU/(ft. x hr. x °F) @ 68°F row
  - benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Elastic modulus, C17510 (Materion typical, heat-treated)
    value: 138
    unit: GPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      condition: precipitation age hardened (heat treated)
      temperature: not stated
    method: Typical value printed in a manufacturer data sheet; 20,000 ksi is printed alongside
    status: ground
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Physical Properties table, Elastic Modulus column
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: 0.2% offset yield strength, C17510 AT (TF00) strip (Materion typical)
    value: 550
    value_high: 690
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      form: strip
      temper: AT (TF00)
      note: properties may vary by thickness
    method: Typical range printed in a manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row AT (TF00), column 0.2% Offset Yield Strength MPa
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: 0.2% offset yield strength, C17510 HT (TH04) strip (Materion typical)
    value: 650
    value_high: 830
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      form: strip
      temper: HT (TH04)
      note: properties may vary by thickness
    method: Typical range printed in a manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    note: Smiths gives a higher minimum for the same temper (760 MPa); the sources disagree and both are kept.
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row HT (TH04), column 0.2% Offset Yield Strength MPa
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, C17510 AT (TF00) strip (Materion typical)
    value: 680
    value_high: 900
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      form: strip
      temper: AT (TF00)
      note: properties may vary by thickness
    method: Typical range printed in a manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row AT (TF00), column Ultimate Tensile Strength MPa
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, C17510 HT (TH04) strip (Materion typical)
    value: 750
    value_high: 940
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      form: strip
      temper: HT (TH04)
      note: properties may vary by thickness
    method: Typical range printed in a manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row HT (TH04), column Ultimate Tensile Strength MPa
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: 0.2% offset yield strength, C17510 A (TB00) minimum (Smiths)
    value: 170
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: A (TB00)
      basis: minimum value
    method: Minimum value printed in a manufacturer technical datasheet
    status: ground
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row 0.2% Yield Strength MPa min., column A (TB00)
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: 0.2% offset yield strength, C17510 H (TD04) minimum (Smiths)
    value: 380
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: H (TD04)
      basis: minimum value
    method: Minimum value printed in a manufacturer technical datasheet
    status: ground
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row 0.2% Yield Strength MPa min., column H (TD04)
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: 0.2% offset yield strength, C17510 AT (TF00) minimum (Smiths)
    value: 550
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: AT (TF00)
      basis: minimum value
    method: Minimum value printed in a manufacturer technical datasheet
    status: ground
    note: Agrees with the lower end of the Materion AT (TF00) range.
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row 0.2% Yield Strength MPa min., column AT (TF00)
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: 0.2% offset yield strength, C17510 HT (TH04) minimum (Smiths)
    value: 760
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: HT (TH04)
      basis: minimum value
    method: Minimum value printed in a manufacturer technical datasheet
    status: ground
    note: Materion prints 650 to 830 MPa for this temper; the sources disagree and both are kept.
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row 0.2% Yield Strength MPa min., column HT (TH04)
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, C17510 A (TB00) (Smiths)
    value: 240
    value_high: 380
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: A (TB00)
      basis: range
    method: Range printed in a manufacturer technical datasheet
    status: ground
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row Tensile Strength MPa, column A (TB00)
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, C17510 H (TD04) (Smiths)
    value: 450
    value_high: 550
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: H (TD04)
      basis: range
    method: Range printed in a manufacturer technical datasheet
    status: ground
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row Tensile Strength MPa, column H (TD04)
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, C17510 AT (TF00) (Smiths)
    value: 690
    value_high: 895
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: AT (TF00)
      basis: range
    method: Range printed in a manufacturer technical datasheet
    status: ground
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row Tensile Strength MPa, column AT (TF00)
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, C17510 HT (TH04) (Smiths)
    value: 793
    value_high: 960
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temper: HT (TH04)
      basis: range
    method: Range printed in a manufacturer technical datasheet
    status: ground
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Mechanical Properties table, row Tensile Strength MPa, column HT (TH04)
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation, C17510 AT (TF00) strip (Materion typical)
    value: 10
    value_high: 25
    bound: range
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      form: strip
      temper: AT (TF00)
      note: valid for strip 0.10 mm and thicker
    method: Typical range printed in a manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row AT (TF00), column Elongation
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation, C17510 HT (TH04) strip (Materion typical)
    value: 8
    value_high: 20
    bound: range
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      form: strip
      temper: HT (TH04)
      note: valid for strip 0.10 mm and thicker
    method: Typical range printed in a manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row HT (TH04), column Elongation
corrosion:
  - environment: Sulphide and chloride solutions (stress corrosion cracking)
    headline: C17510 resists stress corrosion cracking in sulphide and chloride solutions, per Smiths High Performance.
    effect: The datasheet says the alloy resists stress corrosion cracking in both sulphide and chloride solutions and is not susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. No test duration, concentration or threshold stress is printed.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      basis: manufacturer statement; no test data printed
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Weldability and corrosion text block on page 1
  - environment: Saltwater atmosphere and non-oxidising media
    headline: Smiths lists corrosion resistance to a saltwater atmosphere, most organic solutions and non-oxidising acids.
    effect: The same datasheet lists resistance to most organic solutions, a saltwater atmosphere, non-oxidising acids and diluted alkalis. It gives no corrosion rate or exposure time.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      basis: manufacturer statement; no test data printed
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Weldability and corrosion text block on page 1
  - environment: Strong oxidising acids and ammonium hydroxide
    headline: Smiths advises against use with strong oxidising acids or ammonium hydroxide.
    effect: The datasheet says use with strong, oxidising acids or ammonium hydroxide is not recommended. No attack rate is printed, so the rating is unknown.
    rating: unknown
    conditions:
      basis: manufacturer advice; no test data printed
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Weldability and corrosion text block on page 1
  - environment: Ambient air (compared with pure copper)
    headline: Smiths describes corrosion-resistant characteristics similar to pure copper.
    effect: This is a comparison statement from the datasheet. No test data or exposure time are printed for ambient air.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      basis: comparison statement from the manufacturer
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Opening description, page 1
risks:
  hazards:
    - text: Materion's data sheet says inhalation of airborne beryllium can cause serious lung diseases in some individuals, and that processing beryllium-containing alloys poses a health risk if safe practices are not followed.
      ghs: []
      source: materion-alloy3
      where: Health and Safety section
    - text: OSHA says workers who become sensitised and then inhale airborne beryllium are at risk of chronic beryllium disease, and that exposed workers may also develop acute beryllium disease and lung cancer.
      ghs: []
      source: osha-beryllium
      where: Health effects section of the OSHA beryllium page
    - text: NIOSH gives an IDLH of 4 mg Be/m3 for beryllium compounds (as Be), based on 2,000 times the OSHA PEL of 0.002 mg Be/m3.
      ghs: []
      source: niosh-idlh-beryllium
      where: IDLH value and IDLH basis text, page Beryllium compounds (as Be), CAS 7440-41-7
    - text: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA) says that when inhaled, beryllium and its compounds cause serious and irreversible damage to lungs, and that they are toxic by inhalation and by ingestion.
      ghs: []
      source: cameo-beryllium-compound
      where: Health hazard and water solubility text, page BERYLLIUM COMPOUND, N.O.S., UN/NA 1566
  failure_risks:
    - mode: Under-strength part from a soft temper
      trigger: Specifying the A (TB00) or H (TD04) temper where high strength is needed
      consequence: Smiths lists a minimum 0.2% yield strength of 170 MPa for A (TB00) and 380 MPa for H (TD04), against 550 MPa for AT (TF00) and 760 MPa for HT (TH04).
      severity: moderate
      source: smiths-c17510
      where: Mechanical Properties table
    - mode: Attack by strong oxidising acids or ammonium hydroxide
      trigger: Service in strong oxidising acids or in ammonium hydroxide
      consequence: Smiths advises against this use. No attack rate or failure data are printed.
      severity: moderate
      source: smiths-c17510
      where: Weldability and corrosion text block on page 1
  side_effects:
    - text: Smiths says weldability is only fair, though the alloy is highly weldable to copper.
      affects: Joining by welding
      source: smiths-c17510
      where: Weldability text block on page 1
  handling:
    - text: Read and follow the Materion safety data sheet before working with the material, as the datasheet directs.
      source: materion-alloy3
      where: Health and Safety section
    - text: Smiths says the alloy is non-magnetic, is fully heat-treated and needs no further treatment.
      source: smiths-c17510
      where: Page 1 description
    - text: Smiths says use with strong, oxidising acids or ammonium hydroxide is not recommended.
      source: smiths-c17510
      where: Weldability and corrosion text block on page 1
  mitigations: []
uses:
  - application: electronics-and-chips
    device: Spring contacts for switches and relays
    example: Materion describes Alloy 3 strip as having high reliability spring contacts for switches and relays, in automotive, appliance and telecom markets.
    source: materion-alloy3
    where: Opening paragraph and Typical applications line
  - application: electronics-and-chips
    device: Automotive and motorsport connectors and sensor terminals
    example: Smiths lists engine compartment connectors, switches, sensor terminals, coaxial connectors and signal connectors among motorsport and automotive uses of the alloy.
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Motorsport and Automotive Uses list, page 1
  - application: thermal-control
    device: Parts in any environment where thermal management is required
    example: Smiths lists 'any environment where a degree of thermal management is required' among its applications for C17510.
    source: smiths-c17510
    where: Motorsport and Automotive Uses list, page 1
supply:
  - subject: Beryllium (USGS mine production)
    producers:
      - country: United States
        share_percent: 53.5
        year: 2025
      - country: Brazil
        share_percent: 18.6
        year: 2025
      - country: China
        share_percent: 17.9
        year: 2025
      - country: Nigeria
        share_percent: 9.3
        year: 2025
    critical_lists: []
    recycling: 'USGS: beryllium recovered from new and old scrap may account for as much as 20% to 25% of total beryllium consumption. The leading U.S. producer recovered approximately 40% of the beryllium content of its alloy scrap.'
    substitutes:
      - 'USGS: copper alloys containing nickel and silicon, tin, titanium or other alloying elements, or phosphor bronze, may be substituted for beryllium-copper alloys, but these substitutions can result in substantially reduced performance.'
    source: usgs-mcs2026-beryllium
    where: 'World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e, metric tons of beryllium content (United States 230, Brazil 80, China 77, Nigeria 40; world total 430, rounded). Shares calculated by Space Mushroom from these printed values. Import sources 2021 to 2024: Kazakhstan 31%, Latvia 25%, Japan 19%, Germany 5%, other 20%. Recycling and Substitutes sections.'
  - subject: Copper (USGS mine production)
    producers:
      - country: Chile
        share_percent: 23
        year: 2025
      - country: Congo (Kinshasa)
        share_percent: 13.9
        year: 2025
      - country: Peru
        share_percent: 11.7
        year: 2025
      - country: China
        share_percent: 7.8
        year: 2025
    critical_lists:
      - list: USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals
        listed: true
    recycling: 'USGS: copper recovered from scrap contributed about 30% of the U.S. copper supply.'
    source: usgs-mcs2026-copper
    where: 'World Mine and Refinery Production and Reserves table, Mine production 2025e, thousand metric tons copper content (Chile 5,300; Congo (Kinshasa) 3,200; Peru 2,700; China 1,800; world total 23,000, rounded). Shares calculated by Space Mushroom as each country value divided by 23,000. Critical minerals text: the 2025 list added copper. Recycling paragraph.'
  - subject: Nickel (USGS mine production)
    producers:
      - country: Indonesia
        share_percent: 66.7
        year: 2025
      - country: Philippines
        share_percent: 6.9
        year: 2025
      - country: Russia
        share_percent: 5.1
        year: 2025
      - country: New Caledonia
        share_percent: 3.6
        year: 2025
    critical_lists: []
    recycling: 'USGS: in 2025, nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of apparent consumption in the United States.'
    source: usgs-mcs2026-nickel
    where: World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e, metric tons nickel content (Indonesia 2,600,000; Philippines 270,000; Russia 200,000; New Caledonia 140,000; world total 3,900,000, rounded). Shares calculated by Space Mushroom as each country value divided by 3,900,000. Recycling paragraph.
media: []
documents:
  - title: Materion Alloy 3 (C17510) strip data sheet, DS-AM-36 (2021)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://hkvxni.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/ba59a03ca04211ee8bacd256c1cf15d2
    year: 2021
  - title: 'Fisk Alloy Wire: C17510 Copper-Nickel-Beryllium Alloy Wire (product page)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://fiskalloy.com/pdf/c17510
    year: 2026
  - title: 'Smiths High Performance: Beryllium Copper Technical Datasheet C17510 (Alloy 3)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.smithshp.com/assets/pdf/beryllium-copper/c17510-beryllium-copper-english.pdf
    year: 2025
  - title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Beryllium'
    type: report
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-beryllium.pdf
    year: 2026
  - title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Copper'
    type: report
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-copper.pdf
    year: 2026
  - title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Nickel'
    type: report
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
    year: 2026
  - title: 'NIOSH IDLH: Beryllium compounds (as Be), CAS 7440-41-7'
    type: database
    url: https://cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/7440417.html
  - title: 'CAMEO Chemicals: Beryllium compound, n.o.s. (UN 1566), NOAA'
    type: database
    url: https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/238
gaps:
  - 'Composition differs by source: Materion and Fisk Alloy print nickel as 1.4 to 2.2 wt%, while Smiths prints a minimum of 1.80 and a maximum of 2.20. All three are kept as printed and none is merged.'
  - 'The solidus differs by source: Materion prints 1040 °C (1900 °F) and Fisk Alloy prints 1,750 °F. Both are recorded and neither is converted.'
  - Thermal expansion is not recorded. Materion and Smiths print the coefficient in exponent form (x 10-6), and Fisk Alloy prints '9.8 per °F' with no exponent or unit basis that can be checked.
  - Fisk Alloy prints the tension modulus as '19 ksi', which conflicts with Materion's 20,000 ksi and is not recorded. Smiths prints 19.2 x 106 psi in exponent form, also not recorded.
  - Fisk Alloy tensile ranges by temper are printed in ksi only, so they are not recorded; the MPa values from Materion and Smiths are used.
  - 'Hardness is not recorded: Materion prints DPH and Smiths prints Rockwell B, and the property file has no canonical hardness benchmark.'
  - Electrical conductivity in %IACS is not a canonical benchmark; it uses the snake-case name electrical_conductivity.
  - No corrosion rate, salt-spray exposure time or stress-corrosion threshold was found. The corrosion entries rest on manufacturer statements only.
  - No flight, outgassing, atomic oxygen, vacuum or radiation data for C17510 were found in any page read in this run.
  - 'GHS classification for beryllium and for this alloy could not be read: the PubChem beryllium page returned an automated browser check during this run.'
  - Beryllium's status on the U.S. or EU critical-mineral lists was not confirmed from a fetched list, so critical_lists is empty.
  - No EN material number was printed on the pages read. Materion lists 'EN 1652' and 'EN 1654' under industry standards; these are standards, not grade designations, so they are not recorded as designations.
  - Beryllium abundance and crustal figures were not looked up.
  - 'Nickel is not listed as critical: its status on the USGS 2025 critical-mineral list was not confirmed from a fetched list, so critical_lists is empty. The USGS copper summary names copper as added to the 2025 list.'
  - 'Hazards: PubChem GHS data could not be read, so the new hazard entries cite the NIOSH IDLH page and the NOAA CAMEO page, and their ghs fields are empty.'
  - The Copper Development Association alloy page (alloys.copper.org/alloy/C17510) returned HTTP 403 and was not read.
sources:
  materion-alloy3:
    title: Alloy 3 (C17510) Strip, Materion data sheet
    id: DS-AM-36 (2021); UNS# C17510 in the Industry Standards line
    url: https://hkvxni.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/ba59a03ca04211ee8bacd256c1cf15d2
    year: 2021
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer data sheet, reference purposes only (cited, not reproduced)
  fiskalloy-c17510:
    title: C17510 Copper-Nickel-Beryllium Alloy Wire, Fisk Alloy Wire Inc. product page
    id: Fisk Alloy Wire Inc., page copyright 2026
    url: https://fiskalloy.com/pdf/c17510
    year: 2026
    kind: datasheet
    license: Supplier page, information for reference only (cited, not reproduced)
  smiths-c17510:
    title: Beryllium Copper Technical Datasheet C17510 (Alloy 3), Smiths High Performance
    id: SHP/english/datasheets/c17510/12.02.2025
    url: https://www.smithshp.com/assets/pdf/beryllium-copper/c17510-beryllium-copper-english.pdf
    year: 2025
    kind: datasheet
    license: Supplier datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  usgs-mcs2026-beryllium:
    title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Beryllium
    id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-beryllium.pdf
    year: 2026
    kind: report
    license: public domain (USGS)
  osha-beryllium:
    title: 'OSHA: Beryllium (health effects and exposure information)'
    id: osha.gov/beryllium
    url: https://www.osha.gov/beryllium
    kind: web
    license: public domain (U.S. government)
  usgs-mcs2026-copper:
    title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Copper
    id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-copper.pdf
    year: 2026
    kind: report
    license: public domain (USGS)
  usgs-mcs2026-nickel:
    title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel
    id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
    year: 2026
    kind: report
    license: public domain (USGS)
  niosh-idlh-beryllium:
    title: 'NIOSH IDLH: Beryllium compounds (as Be), CAS 7440-41-7'
    id: NIOSH IDLH, CAS 7440-41-7
    url: https://cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/7440417.html
    kind: handbook
    license: public domain (U.S. government)
  cameo-beryllium-compound:
    title: 'CAMEO Chemicals: Beryllium compound, n.o.s. (UN 1566), NOAA'
    id: NOAA CAMEO Chemicals, UN/NA 1566
    url: https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/238
    kind: database
    license: public domain (NOAA)
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-01'
review:
  status: draft
  method: assistant
  checked_values: 24
  unreachable: 1
  caveats: 4
  note: 'Read by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from the pages and PDFs named in each entry. PubChem could not be read in this run. Caveats: the datasheets disagree on nickel limits, solidus and HT yield strength; corrosion entries are manufacturer statements; properties are typical or minimum values from datasheets, not test results; the electrical conductivity benchmark is a snake-case name.'
story:
  recipe:
    line: C17510 is a copper alloy with beryllium and nickel added to copper (Materion, Fisk Alloy Wire). It is a beryllium copper that is heat treated after forming, and Smiths says it is fully heat-treated and needs no further treatment. It is sold as strip, wire, rod, bar, tube and plate.
    parts:
      - name: Beryllium
        symbol: Be
        share: 0.20 to 0.60 wt%
        role: Alloying element named first in the composition table.
      - name: Nickel
        symbol: Ni
        share: 1.4 to 2.2 wt%
        role: Alloying element in the composition limits of all three datasheets.
      - name: Copper
        symbol: Cu
        share: balance
        role: The matrix, listed as the balance in the Materion composition table.
  risk_groups:
    - title: For people
      level: 2
      verdict: Beryllium dust is the main health concern
      lead: The health warnings on the datasheets are about beryllium, not copper or nickel.
      points:
        - label: Processing
          line: Materion says processing beryllium-containing alloys poses a health risk if safe practices are not followed, and points to its safety data sheet.
        - label: Long-term effects
          line: OSHA says exposed workers can develop chronic beryllium disease, acute beryllium disease and lung cancer.
    - title: If it fails
      lead: The failure routes in the sources are about temper choice and strong chemicals. No space flight data were found.
      points:
        - label: Soft temper
          line: Smiths lists a minimum yield strength of 170 MPa in the A (TB00) temper, against 550 MPa in the AT (TF00) temper.
        - label: Strong chemicals
          line: Smiths advises against use with strong oxidising acids or ammonium hydroxide.
    - title: Handling and storage
      points:
        - label: Heat treatment
          line: Smiths says the alloy is fully heat-treated and needs no further treatment, so the datasheet quotes its properties after ageing.
        - label: Safety data
          line: Read the Materion safety data sheet before processing the material.
  why: C17510 is a high-conductivity copper-beryllium alloy with 1.4 to 2.2 wt% nickel. Fisk Alloy Wire places it at the lower-strength end of the beryllium copper range, with a substantial increase in electrical conductivity. Smiths says it is stronger than other copper alloys and resists corrosion similar to pure copper. It is used where springs and contacts need strength and electrical conduction together, and where a degree of thermal management is required.
  uses:
    - where: Spring contacts
      line: Materion describes Alloy 3 strip for high reliability spring contacts for switches and relays, in automotive, appliance and telecom markets.
    - where: Connectors and sensor terminals
      line: Smiths lists engine compartment connectors, switches, sensor terminals and coaxial and signal connectors among its motorsport and automotive uses.
    - where: Long-reach power and signal solutions
      line: Smiths says traditional applications for Alloy 3 include oil and gas, particularly long-reach power and signal solutions.
  can_do:
    - label: Carry current
      benchmark: electrical_conductivity
      line: Typical electrical conductivity is 45 to 60 %IACS in the heat-treated condition (Materion), and the HT (TH04) temper has a minimum of 48 %IACS (Smiths).
    - label: Carry heat
      benchmark: thermal_conductivity
      line: Thermal conductivity is 240 W/m K at 25 °C (Materion typical), and 145 BTU/(ft. x hr. x °F) at 68 °F (Smiths typical).
    - label: Stiffness
      benchmark: elastic_modulus
      value: 138 GPa
      line: Elastic modulus is 138 GPa (Materion typical, heat-treated condition).
    - label: Strength
      benchmark: yield_strength
      line: The HT (TH04) yield strength is 650 to 830 MPa typical (Materion) and at least 760 MPa minimum (Smiths).
    - label: Weight
      benchmark: density
      value: 8.83 g/cm3
      line: Density is 8.83 g/cm3 (Materion typical), and 0.317 lb/in³ (Fisk Alloy Wire).
    - label: Melting
      benchmark: melting_point
      line: The solidus is 1040 °C per Materion, while Fisk Alloy Wire prints 1750 °F for the same point.
  compare: Within the beryllium copper family, the sources place C17510 at the low-beryllium end. Fisk Alloy Wire says it sits at the lower-strength end of the range but with a substantial increase in electrical conductivity. Smiths says it is stronger than other copper alloys. The datasheets differ on nickel limits and on the solidus, so the table below gives each value with its own source.
  compare_rows:
    - label: Density
      benchmark: density
    - label: Thermal conductivity
      benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    - label: Yield strength
      benchmark: yield_strength
  handling:
    - 'Specify the temper: Smiths gives a minimum yield of 170 MPa in A (TB00) and 550 MPa in AT (TF00).'
    - Read the Materion safety data sheet before processing, because beryllium-containing alloys pose a health risk.
    - Do not use with strong oxidising acids or ammonium hydroxide, as Smiths advises.
  good_for:
    - 'Springs and switch contacts that need strength and conductivity: at least 48 %IACS in the HT (TH04) temper, per Smiths.'
    - Motorsport and automotive connectors and sensor terminals, per Smiths.
  watch_out:
    - 'Beryllium: inhaling airborne beryllium can cause serious lung disease, per Materion.'
    - 'Solidus differs between datasheets: 1040 °C from Materion against 1750 °F from Fisk Alloy Wire.'
    - No corrosion rate, space flight, outgassing or radiation data were found for this grade.
  verdict: C17510 suits strong, conductive springs and connectors when beryllium dust is controlled. The datasheets agree on strength and on resistance to most media, but differ on nickel limits and solidus, and no space test data were found.