Aeronautics
The aeronautics sector is a key market for Berylco beryllium copper alloys, whose outstanding properties ensure the high reliability and operational safety of aircraft.
Contactors, Connectors
Berylco beryllium copper alloys are essential for ensuring the reliability of the more than 40,000 electrical contactors, connectors, spring contacts, and over 500 kilometers of data transmission cables found in a civil aircraft. These components represent by far the most significant use of beryllium copper alloys. Connection failure in these circuits is one of the leading causes of system malfunction and must be absolutely avoided.
Berylco alloys provide excellent electrical conductivity and are robust enough to withstand mechanical stresses such as vibration and repeated mating cycles.
These components remain stable over time, even under severe environmental conditions. They are highly resistant to wear and corrosion and can be manufactured into complex shapes to support equipment miniaturization.
Among all copper-based alloys, beryllium copper offers the best combination of strength, electrical conductivity, resistance to stress relaxation at elevated temperatures, and formability. That is why it is used for the female side of connectors, ensuring reliable retention of the male contact.
Friction Bushings
Berylco beryllium copper also offers anti-galling properties, making it suitable for critical mechanical components such as bushings in landing gear or springs used to release doors during emergency landings.
Aircraft evacuation slide deployment systems use beryllium copper due to its high mechanical strength and long-lasting spring effect, despite the extreme conditions experienced throughout an aircraft’s service life.
Avionics
Berylco alloys are used in critical systems such as avionics, altimeters, GPS, and Pitot tubes.
High-precision aneroid barometers, in use since the 19th century, are employed to measure absolute atmospheric pressure. These instruments are essential in air and sea navigation, as well as in metrology, industry, research, and medical applications. The aneroid capsule is the main component of an altimeter that measures atmospheric pressure. Its operating principle is straightforward: as pressure changes, the capsule deforms and its movement is transmitted to the pointer shaft via a linkage and gear mechanism.
These cells are exclusively manufactured using beryllium copper alloys for their elastic properties, which are free from age hardening and hysteresis, as well as for their exceptional resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures.