Inventors:
Amitava Guha - Cleveland Heights OH
Assignee:
Brush Wellman Inc. - Cleveland OH
International Classification:
C22F 108
Abstract:
The invention contemplates a thermomechanical process applicable to beryllium copper alloys consisting essentially of about 0. 2 wt % to about 0. 7 wt % beryllium; from about 1. 0 wt % to about 3. 5 wt % nickel and cobalt in the aggregate, where nickel comprises at least about 1. 0 wt %; up to about 1. 0 wt % zirconium; up to about 0. 005 wt % lead; up to about 0. 1 wt % magnesium; up to about 1. 5 wt % silver; up to about 0. 5 wt % incidental impurities including lead; and the balance essentially copper; which process comprises solution annealing said alloy at a temperature of at least about 90% of the incipient melting point of the alloy expressed in degrees Fahrenheit, cold working the solution treated alloy to reduce the section thickness thereof at least about 60% or much more, and then aging the alloy to produce therein an improved combination of properties including strength, ductility, formability and conductivity.
