Copper Alloys for Relays

Copper alloys for relays need spring force, conductivity and fatigue resistance through millions of operations. NGK Berylco is part of the NGK Group, with NGK Berylco UK in Salford, NGK Berylco France in Couëron near Nantes and NGK Deutsche Berylco in Germany.

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.

Electronics designers need spring contacts that stay springy, conduct well and survive millions of cycles. Connectors, switches and relays all depend on materials that keep their contact force, and that's exactly where NGK Berylco alloys are specified.

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.

Every coil, rod and component is backed by certified systems: ISO 9001, the aerospace standard EN 9100, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. In-house testing and inspection keep properties consistent from batch to batch.

To discuss Copper Alloys for Relays, contact NGK Berylco UK on +44 (0)161 745 7162 or email enquiries@ngkberylco.co.uk. The Salford team covers the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries.