CuCo2Be – Properties, Applications and Technical Data
CuCo2Be is a precipitation-hardenable copper-cobalt-beryllium alloy developed for applications where high mechanical strength must be combined with good electrical and thermal conductivity. The material is often used in electrical contacts, resistance welding, forming tools and highly stressed industrial components.
The alloy is known under the designation CW104C and Werkstoffnummer 2.1285 and offers an optimal balance between strength, wear resistance and conductivity compared to pure copper and traditional copper alloys.
Properties of CuCo2Be
CuCo2Be achieves its high mechanical properties through age hardening. The combination of cobalt and beryllium provides increased strength and improved fatigue resistance while maintaining a significant part of the copper's conductivity.
The material is particularly well suited for components that are exposed to both electrical load and mechanical stress.
- Type: Precipitation-hardenable copper alloy
- Alloy: Cu-Co-Be
- EN designation: CuCo2Be
- Trade name: CW104C
- Material number: 2.1285
Advantages
- High strength in aged condition
- Good electrical conductivity (approx. 45–60% IACS)
- Very good thermal conductivity
- High wear resistance and fatigue strength
- Suitable for electrical and thermally loaded applications
Limitations
- Lower conductivity than pure copper
- Requires controlled heat treatment for optimal performance
- Not intended for highly corrosive or marine environments
Typical applications for CuCo2Be
Resistance welding
Welding and electrode carriers where the combination of strength and conductivity is crucial.
Electrical contacts
Current-carrying components with requirements for mechanical stability.
Form and tool inserts
Applications where effective heat dissipation and wear resistance are required.
Industrial machine components
Parts exposed to both cyclic loading and electrical impact.
Corrosion and oxidation resistance
CuCo2Be has good resistance in normal industrial environments but is primarily optimized for mechanical and electrical performance rather than aggressive chemical environments. For marine or highly corrosive applications, alternative alloys should be considered.
Environments where CuCo2Be performs well
- Electrically loaded components
- High thermal cycling
- Fatigue loaded parts
- Tooling and welding applications
Environments to avoid
- Strongly acidic environments
- Highly aggressive chloride environments
- Applications where maximum electrical conductivity is required
Technical data (aged condition)
| Yield strength 0.2% |
~600–750 MPa |
| Tensile strength |
~700–850 MPa |
| Elongation at break |
~5–15% |
| Density |
~8.8 g/cm³ |
| Electrical conductivity |
~45–60 % IACS |
| Hardness |
~190–250 HB |
| Weldability |
Limited – special procedures recommended |
We offer CuCo2Be in various shapes and dimensions with full traceability and material certificates according to EN 10204 3.1.
Contact us for technical advice or a quote – we will help you choose the right copper alloy for your application.
Buy CuCo2Be from HARALD PIHL – your specialist in high-performance copper alloys with global delivery.
Our strengths
- Large stock of copper and special alloys
- Fast global delivery from Europe
- Full traceability and certification according to EN 10204 3.1
- Material according to EN / ASTM / customer specification
- Cutting and processing according to drawing