Thermomechanical processing of beryllium-copper alloys

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The invention contemplates a thermomechanical process applicable to beryllium copper alloys containing, by weight about 0.1% to about 1.2%, beryllium, at least about 0.1% to about 3.5% nickel up to about 3% cobalt, with, the total content of nickel and cobalt being about 0.5% to about 3.5% which, process comprises solution annealing said alloy at a temperature of at least about 90% of the incipient melting point in °F. therefor cold working the, solution treated alloy to reduce the section thickness 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.