AVAILABILITY
Using advanced hot compaction processes, Brush Wellman form the metallic beryllium powders into beryllium billets.
Different grades of hot-pressed beryllium, each engineered for outstanding performance in a specific range of structural, instrument, optical or nuclear applications, are produced. Some grades are formed by unidirectional vacuum hot pressing, some others by hot isostatic pressing. The cylindrical billets obtained by HIP have exceptionally uniform properties. Those hot-pressed billets are machined into shapes specified by BW’s customers.
Hot isostatic pressing makes it also possible for Materion to form near-net-shape parts, that can be converted into finished parts with a minimum of machining.
Hot-pressed beryllium can be efficiently rolled and formed into when heated. Materion have in-house capabilities to roll beryllium plate, sheet and foil.
These wrought forms of Be exhibit improved strength and tensile elongation relative to the hot pressed block in the direction of metal working, but lower properties (particularly tensile elongation) transverse to the direction of working.

BERYLLIUM GRADES

• Structural grades : S-200F (98.5% Be min.) ; S-200FH ; S-65 (99% Be min.); S-65H ; SR – 200 (98.5% Be min.)
• Optical grades : I-220H (98% Be min.)
• X-ray application grades : IF-1 (99.8%Be min.) ; PF60 (99% Be min) ; PS200 (98.5% Be min.)

HEALTH & SAFETY
Handling beryllium-containing products in solid form poses no special health risk. Like many industrial materials, beryllium-containing materials can pose a health risk if recommended safe handling practices are not followed. Inhalation of airborne beryllium can cause a serious lung disorder in susceptible individuals. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set mandatory limits on occupational respiratory exposures. Please read and follow the guidance in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) supplied with the material, before working with it.
BERYLLIUM is a truly «space age material» presenting a combination of desirable properties:

• Outstanding strength and stiffness to weight ratios
• Excellent thermal conductivity and specific heat
• Unique nuclear and optical properties
• Nuclear reactors
• Electro-optical targeting systems
• Optical systems
• Inertial guidance systems
• Audio components
• Satellite structures
• High speed computer parts

… are among the many exciting applications for this versatile material.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

FABRICATION PROCESSES