Copper Alloys for Contactors

Copper alloys for contactors carry current and survive repeated switching. Beryllium copper is a primary choice for contactor parts. With more than 50 years in high performance copper alloys, NGK Berylco supplies UK, Irish and Nordic customers through its Salford office, backed by the wider NGK Group.

NGK Berylco's range covers beryllium copper and beryllium-free copper-nickel-tin. The Berylco alloys contain up to 2% beryllium in a copper matrix: C17200 (Berylco 25) is the most versatile, C17300 (Berylco 33/25) is the go-to for screw machining and C17510 (Berylco 14) delivers very high conductivity. C17530 (Berylco 7) and C17000 (Berylco 165) extend the family. The GMX copper-nickel-tin grades are C72700 (GMX 96), C72950 (GMX 215) and C72900 (GMX 158).

When comparing copper alloys, look at the full set of numbers: tensile strength (Rm), yield strength (Rp), elongation (A50), hardness (HV, HB or HRC), formability as a bend ratio (R/t) and electrical conductivity in % IACS.

No single grade wins on all of them. The right choice depends on how the part is made, what it has to carry and the conditions it works in. NGK Berylco's technical team can talk through the trade-offs.

Energy and power distribution equipment carries serious current, so contactors, connectors and switchgear components need high conductivity without giving up strength. NGK Berylco alloys deliver both.

What sets these alloys apart is strength and conductivity together. Beryllium copper is the only copper alloy that can be hardened both by cold working and by age hardening. Optional additions of nickel, cobalt or lead improve formability, bendability or machinability. The alloys are fully non-magnetic, resist corrosion in many fluids and work at extremely low temperatures. Strip complies with EN 1654, and surface finishing includes cleaning, corrosion inhibition and optional gold or silver plating.

Quality is not left to chance. NGK Berylco holds ISO 9001, EN 9100 for aerospace, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and runs its own testing and inspection laboratory alongside an active R&D programme.

For Copper Alloys for Contactors from a supplier with real metallurgical know-how, get in touch with NGK Berylco UK, Houston Park, Montford Street, Salford, M50 2RP. Call +44 (0)161 745 7162 or email enquiries@ngkberylco.co.uk.