Technical Specifications
Conductivity
≥45% IACS
Hardness
≥90 HRB
Temperature
525°C
Standard
AWS J1.3
Properties Table (AWS J1.3)
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| RWMA Class | Class 3 | - |
| UNS Code | C17500 | - |
| Composition | Cu + 2.4-2.7% Co + 0.4-0.7% Be | % wt |
| Electrical Conductivity | ≥45 | % IACS |
| Hardness | ≥90 | HRB |
| Thermal Conductivity | 188 | W/m·K |
| Softening Temperature | 525 | °C |
| Density | 8.26 | g/cm³ |
When to Use C17500 (CuCoBe)
C17500 (Copper Cobalt Beryllium) is the choice when you need higher hardness than Class 2 with balanced conductivity:
- Superior hardness (≥90 HRB) vs Class 2 (≥75 HRB) for extended electrode life
- Mushrooming resistance in high-volume production
- Better AHSS performance (advanced high-strength steels)
- Higher softening temperature (525°C) than Class 2
- Intermediate beryllium content (0.4-0.7% Be) safer than Class 4
Comparison: C17500 vs C17510
| Characteristic | C17500 (CuCoBe) | C17510 (CuNiBe) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Element | 2.4-2.7% Cobalt | 1.4-2.2% Nickel |
| Beryllium Content | 0.4-0.7% Be | 0.2-0.6% Be |
| Conductivity | ≥45% IACS | ≥45% IACS |
| Hardness | ≥90 HRB (typical 96-100) | ≥90 HRB (typical 96-102) |
| Primary Use | Coated steels, AHSS | Nut projection, AHSS |
| Relative Cost | Similar | Similar |
Main Applications
AHSS/UHSS Steels
Advanced and ultra-high strength steels generating more heat and pressure
Coated Materials
Steels with coatings requiring higher electrode hardness
High Production
Lines with >20 welds/minute where electrode life is critical
Seam Welding
Wheels for continuous seam welding on fuel tanks
Safe Handling Note: Beryllium alloys in solid bar or plate form are completely safe to handle. Potential risk exists only during machining if dusts are generated. Download the OSHA 1910.1024 Safe Handling Guide