Be-Cu alloy

[Polymat]

Hello all

I am currently using Be-cu alloy for a connector. I am planning to change this material to an alternative.

Be-Cu - C17300 UNS

This connector is used in coaxial cable where a male pin is inserted between the crimped fingers in a female pin. The crimped fingers should last the insertion/widhrawal force cycle. The insertion/widhrawal force is approx. 0.80lbs

Thanks

Polymat

 

[metengr]

What was the original connector material? What is the reason for the change in material?

 

[Polymat]

The original material is Be-cu alloy. I am trying to find out the alternative to Be-Cu.

Polymat

 

[metman]

And the reason for change is:
Cost reduction?
Reliability?
Conductivity?
Greater contact force?
Other?

Jesus is THE life,
Leonard

 

[Polymat]

the main reason for the alternative is most of our OEM's wanted to get away with Beryllium.

Any inputs on alternative materials???

 

[metengr]

Some alternatives could be;

brass (ASTM B16) or
303 or 303Se stainless steel (ASTM A582)

These may require a surface plating as with most electrical connectors.

 

[Polymat]

All

Thanks for your inputs. I will give some more specific details what I am looking for.

The current material Be-cu alloy (C17300 UNS):
We buy as rods and machine them to thickness approx (nominal) 0.5mm
Then we heat treat at 600F for 3 hours to achieve harness level of 38-45 Rc; T.S 175-225Ksi.

Any input on an alternative material?

Will the S.S 303/303se and Brass B16 suit?

Thanks in adavance for your suggestions

 

[EdStainless]

There are some other age hardneable coppers that have similar conducitivity to BeCu, but they aren't as good.
The CrCu alloys are common, and there are a bunch of others.
Most BeCu connectors are stamped or punched, not machined. That way people don't have to worry about the health effects of the Be.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.

http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm

 

[Polymat]

Ed

Thanks. Any specific grade in CrCu alloys?

 

[metengr]

Polymat;
The alternative material choices of brass or stainless were based on information from a source that I know who deals with coax/cable RF connectors.

 

[Rossmetals]

Polymat:
I have info on an alternate material that performs very much like the C17300. It is marketed for your application.
I could refer you to the manufacturer

Steve Ross
rossmetal@sbcglobal.net