C17500

C17500 copper alloy is a high-performance material with excellent strength, wear resistance, and thermal conductivity. It is ideal for high-precision die casting components in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.

Introduction to C17500 Copper Alloy

C17500, also known as CuAg0.1 or high-strength beryllium copper, is a copper alloy that combines excellent electrical conductivity with superior mechanical strength and wear resistance. This unique combination makes it ideal for high-performance die casting applications, particularly in industries requiring excellent heat dissipation and structural integrity under pressure, such as aluminum, zinc, and magnesium die casting.

At Neway Die Casting, C17500 is applied in high-performance die casting applications where conductivity and strength are essential for parts exposed to high temperatures and mechanical stress. The alloy’s ability to withstand thermal cycling and its high strength make it suitable for automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing components.

C17500 Copper Alloy Chemical Composition (Typical)

Element

Weight %

Function

Copper (Cu)

Balance

Base material providing excellent thermal and electrical conductivity

Beryllium (Be)

0.2–0.4

Increases strength, wear resistance, and hardness

Cobalt (Co)

≤ 0.5

Improves mechanical properties and aging response

Iron (Fe)

≤ 0.4

Improves strength and corrosion resistance

Manganese (Mn)

≤ 0.3

Enhances toughness

Silicon (Si)

Trace

Trace element for alloy balance and impurity control

This alloy is particularly valued in die casting for its ability to withstand the mechanical demands of high-temperature environments while providing fast heat dissipation.

Physical Properties of C17500 Copper Alloy

Property

Value & Unit

Density

8.3 g/cm³

Thermal Conductivity

140 W/m·K

Electrical Conductivity

65–70 % IACS

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

17.5 µm/m·°C

Melting Point

~850 °C

Specific Heat Capacity

~380 J/kg·K

The alloy’s high thermal conductivity makes it ideal for die casting components, as it helps to quickly dissipate heat, improving cycle times and reducing the risk of defects caused by overheating.

Mechanical Properties of C17500 Copper Alloy (Age-Hardened Condition)

Property

Typical Value & Unit

Tensile Strength

1000–1300 MPa

Yield Strength

850–1100 MPa

Hardness

35–45 HRC

Elongation

5–10 %

Modulus of Elasticity

~128 GPa

C17500's mechanical strength and conductivity ensure reliable performance in die casting applications that demand both durability and efficient heat management.

Die Casting Applications for C17500 Copper Alloy

C17500 is particularly suited for use in die casting due to its ability to withstand high pressures, high temperatures, and thermal cycling while maintaining structural integrity:

1. Die Casting Components

C17500 is used to manufacture parts that require high thermal conductivity and wear resistance, such as:

  • Gate inserts and nozzles: C17500 helps control the flow of molten metal, preventing clogging and improving casting quality.

  • Core pins and sleeves: These components benefit from C17500’s thermal conductivity, which reduces cycle times and enhances mold cooling efficiency.

2. Automotive Components

In the automotive industry, C17500 is ideal for die-cast components such as turbocharger parts, engine components, and other high-performance parts exposed to high mechanical stress and elevated temperatures.

3. Aerospace and Electronics

For aerospace and electronics applications, where strength and conductivity are crucial, C17500 produces components such as connectors, contacts, and heat exchangers.

4. High-Performance Parts

C17500 is also ideal for high-performance casting applications, such as heat exchangers, whose thermal and electrical conductivity are key factors in improving part performance.

Machining and Processing C17500

C17500 is relatively easy to machine compared to other high-strength copper alloys. However, due to its hardness, it requires proper handling during the machining process:

  • Cutting Tools: Carbide or PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tools are recommended to reduce tool wear and ensure precision when machining C17500.

  • Machining Methods: High-speed machining with appropriate cooling is necessary to prevent overheating and ensure that parts are dimensionally stable.

  • Surface Finish: C17500 can be polished to a high gloss, essential for applications requiring optical-grade finishes or tight dimensional tolerances.

At Neway Die Casting, we use CNC machining and EDM techniques to produce high-precision components that meet the demanding requirements of die casting applications.

Surface Treatment Compatibility

C17500 can undergo a variety of surface treatments to enhance its wear resistance and performance in demanding environments:

  • Nitriding: Increases surface hardness and wear resistance without compromising the core properties of the material.

  • PVD Coatings: TiN and TiAlN coatings improve the material’s hardness and resistance to wear, making it ideal for high-abrasion areas in die casting.

  • Cryogenic Treatment: Enhances toughness and reduces residual stresses, improving the alloy’s performance in high-stress environments.

These treatments extend the service life of components and help optimize die casting processes, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

FAQs

  1. How does C17500 compare to other copper alloys regarding strength and conductivity?

  2. Can C17500 be used for both aluminum and zinc die casting applications?

  3. How does C17500 perform in high-temperature die casting processes?

  4. What is the maximum temperature that C17500 can withstand in die casting molds?

  5. How does the addition of beryllium affect the properties of C17500 copper alloy?

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Fenggang, Dongguan, Guangdong
China (ZIP 523000)
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