Beryllium Copper for Automotive Safety Systems

Beryllium copper for automotive safety systems sits inside airbag, ABS, sensor and GPS connections, where a failed contact is not an option. With more than 50 years in high performance copper alloys, NGK Berylco supplies strip, wire, rod, plate and block from its European operations, with a dedicated UK office in Salford for local support.

Electrification makes the material more important, not less. Berylco alloys are used in charging terminals and connectors for electric and hybrid vehicles, where contacts must withstand the repeated mechanical stress of plugging and unplugging. They are also used in the sensors behind autonomous driving. A long track record in contactors, relays and switches on combustion vehicles carries straight over into EV design.

The automotive industry makes extensive use of beryllium copper, with more than 30 grams in a single vehicle on average. It goes into contacts and motor arms for electric windows, light and indicator switches, reverse light contacts inside gearboxes and pressure gauge diaphragms for oil measurement.

Safety critical systems such as airbags, ABS, sensors and GPS rely on its blend of high conductivity and mechanical strength.

The core Berylco grades are C17200 (CuBe2, Berylco 25) for high strength, C17300 (CuBe2Pb, Berylco 33/25) for free machining and C17510 (CuNi2Be, Berylco 14) for high conductivity. Where a beryllium-free option suits better, the GMX copper-nickel-tin range covers it. NGK's technical team can help match grade, temper and form to the job.

NGK Berylco is certified to ISO 9001, EN 9100, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. It also runs a scrap recycling and buyback programme, remelting recovered material into alloy of identical composition.

Need technical advice or a price on Beryllium Copper for Automotive Safety Systems? Call NGK Berylco UK on +44 (0)161 745 7162 or email enquiries@ngkberylco.co.uk.