Copper Alloy 3 / UNS C17510 – Properties, Applications and Technical Data
Alloy 3 (UNS C17510), also known as RWMA Class 3, is a copper-beryllium alloy that combines high mechanical strength with good electrical conductivity and excellent formability.
The material is used in applications where both electrical performance and mechanical stability are crucial. The combination of high contact force, good dimensional stability and low relaxation makes the alloy particularly suitable for electrical components and spring applications.
Alloy 3 also offers good corrosion resistance and maintains its properties in demanding environments, including applications with high temperatures or cyclic loads.
Properties of Alloy 3
Alloy 3 is a copper-beryllium alloy where small additions of beryllium provide high strength while the copper base ensures good electrical and thermal conductivity.
The material exhibits low creep and very good relaxation resistance, making it suitable for components that must maintain their spring force for a long time.
- Type: copper-beryllium alloy
- Alloy: Cu-Ni-Be
- Structure: precipitation hardenable copper alloy
- Designations: Alloy 3, UNS C17510, RWMA Class 3, CuNi2Be
- Typical composition: Cu ~balance, Ni ~1.4–2.2%, Be ~0.2–0.6%
Advantages
- High mechanical strength
- Good electrical conductivity (~50% IACS)
- Very good formability and cold working
- Low creep and relaxation
- Good corrosion resistance
Limitations
- Higher material cost than standard copper alloys
- Machining often requires controlled processes
- Heat treatment may be required for optimum strength
Common product forms for Alloy 3
- Wire
- Sheet and strip
- Round bar
- Special dimensions according to drawing
Typical components manufactured in Alloy 3
- Electrical contacts
- Relays and switches
- Spring components in electronics
- Components for the aerospace and defense industry
- Electrical components in high temperature environments
Corrosion resistance
Alloy 3 offers good corrosion resistance in many industrial environments and maintains its mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures.
The material's stability makes it suitable for electrical components where long life and reliable function are crucial.
Environments where Alloy 3 performs well
- Electrical and electronic systems
- High temperature applications
- Aerospace and defense industries
- Applications with cyclic loads
Environments to avoid
- Applications where simpler copper alloys are sufficient
- Environments with extreme chemical corrosion
Technical data
| Yield strength (0.2%) |
~700 MPa |
| Tensile strength |
~900 MPa |
| Electrical conductivity |
~50 % IACS |
| Density |
~8.8 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of elasticity |
~130 GPa |
With a global network of suppliers, we can offer Alloy 3 in technical dimensions for demanding electrical and industrial applications.
Contact us for price, availability and technical advice.
Supplier of Alloy 3 with certified quality
HARALD PIHL is one of Europe's leading suppliers of special alloys, including copper-beryllium alloys such as Alloy 3.
With over 100 years of experience in the metal industry, we deliver materials with full traceability and certification according to international standards.
- Large stock of special alloys
- Copper, nickel and titanium alloys
- International material standards
- High quality for technical applications
- Fast global delivery
- Full material certification
- Over 100 years of experience
- Metallurgical expertise
