Keywords
Citation
(1999), "Couplings and connectors from copper-beryllium", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 46 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.1999.12846ead.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Couplings and connectors from copper-beryllium
Keywords Brush Wellman, Alloys
Couplings, connectors and sleeve bearings are some of the latest applications of Brush Wellman's copper-beryllium Brush Alloy 25. The combination of resistance to corrosion, anti-galling properties and strength are said to make Brush Alloy 25 an ideal solution.
One of the most important material properties for such components is resistance to corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking. According to Brush Wellman, copper-beryllium fits the bill as it is easily machined. In fact material removal rates for the alloy are said to be around five times higher than those for 316 grade stainless steel.
Clearly a low coefficient of friction is important for a sleeve bearing, but it also becomes an issue with threaded components which may need to be disassembled. It is believed that the anti-galling property of copper-beryllium ensures that any "pick up" on the threads is minimised, if not eliminated. This means that anti-seize compounds are not required. Other alloys may need compounds but, because of high temperatures and fluids passing, may have the compound washed away. This can make disassembly impossible.
The strength of Brush Alloy 25 is also important and, typically for such components, the yield strength is said to be 170,000psi. However, copper-beryllium can also be precipitation hardened to fine-tune the strength.
Brush Wellman can pre-treat the alloy so that the manufacturer receives the raw material at the correct strength. Brush Alloy 25 can be supplied as round bar, hollow bar, instrument grade tubing, plate and strip. For specialist applications, forgings and semi-finished components can be produced.
In addition to supplying the alloy, Brush Wellman can also provide advice to designers from its team of materials experts and engineers. For those companies which do not have their own facility in-house, Brush Wellman can provide a finite element analysis service.
Details available from Brush Wellman Limited. Tel: (UK) +44 (0)118 930 3733; Fax: +44 (0)118 930 3635; Tel: (USA) +1 281 358 6960; Fax: +1 281 359 9247; E-mail: Diane-Ryan@brushwellman.com