Beryllium Copper Hardness Changes due to Temperature 4

[Spectre50]

I am using a tempered stress relieved beryllium copper which has an ultimate strength of 200ksi. I would like to heat the parts to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a maximum of eight hours (1 work shift) so that I may bend the parts without cracking. Is this temperature going to affect the physical properties of the metal?

 

[metengr]

Since you don't mention the specific alloy, take a look at the publication below, page 38.;

http://busbymetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/guide_to_be_cu.pdf

 

[tbuelna]

BeCu having a 200ksi uts must be a heat treatable alloy that has been age hardened. The aging temperature for these alloys is usually well above 400degF, so I don't think exposure to 400degF for a few hours would present a problem.

Did you consider forming the part in the annealed condition to avoid the cracking problem?

 

[kumkumvijay]

Its difficult to answer with out the grade details however, some facts are as below
1. Heating to 400F will not cause microstructural change, grain recovery etc which help your bending process. There will not be any micro structure change due to age hardening temp is well above 400F.
2. Annealed condition is best microstructure for further cold forming. annealed microstructure will have all cold worked gains recovered for further deformation process. Based on the alloy grade , keep it above 770-800C ( UNS C17200- TS-200ksi) for 1hr for 1 inch thickness.
3. If you have cold word part then the grains will be elogated and further bending will cause cracks.

 

[Spectre50]

@metengr Thank you for the pdf, it was helpful.

@tbuelna Thank you for the information. I do not currently have the ability to heat treat an annealed form of the BECU after bending.

@kumkumvijay Thank you for the information.