Editing Beryllium copper (section)

== Uses ==
[[Image:CuBe Tool.jpg|thumb|right|Example of a non-sparking tool made of beryllium copper]]

Beryllium copper is a [[Non-ferrous metal|non-ferrous]] alloy used in [[spring (device)|springs]], spring wire, [[load cell]]s, and other parts that must retain their shape under repeated stress and strain. It has high electrical conductivity and is used in low-current contacts for batteries and electrical connectors.

Beryllium copper is non-[[Spark (fire)|sparking]] yet physically tough and [[nonmagnetic]], fulfilling the requirements of [[ATEX directive]] for Zones 0, 1, and 2. Beryllium copper screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, [[Chisel#Cold chisel|cold chisels]], knives, and hammers are available for environments with [[explosive]] hazards, such as [[oil platform|oil rigs]], coal mines, and grain elevators. An alternative metal sometimes used for non-sparking tools is [[aluminium bronze]]. Compared to steel tools, beryllium copper tools are more expensive and not as strong, but the properties of beryllium copper in hazardous environments may outweigh the disadvantages. Some of BeCu's varied uses include:

*Certain percussion instruments, especially [[tambourine]]s and [[triangle (music)|triangles]], because of beryllium copper's consistent tone and resonance.
*Ultra-low temperature [[cryogenic]] equipment, such as [[dilution refrigerator]]s, because of its mechanical strength and relatively high thermal conductivity in this temperature range.
*Molds for manufacturing plastic containers (including most plastic milk jugs), with the [[blow molding]] process.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Solving molding problems with beryllium copper: moldmaking. - Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Solving+molding+problems+with+beryllium+copper:+moldmaking.-a08546251 |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=www.thefreelibrary.com}}</ref>
*[[Armour piercing]] [[bullet]]s,<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://nucnews.net/2000/du/98du/981204du.laws.htm |title=Federal Law and AP Ammunition |publisher=Nucnews.net |accessdate=2009-11-02 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114141754/http://nucnews.net/2000/du/98du/981204du.laws.htm |archivedate=2009-11-14 }}</ref>  though such an application is unusual, as bullets made from steel alloys are much less expensive and have similar properties.
*[[Measurement-while-drilling]] (MWD) tools in the [[directional drilling]] industry. A non-magnetic alloy is required, as [[magnetometers]] are used for field-strength data received from the tool.
*Servicing [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) machines, where high-strength magnetic fields make the use of ferrous tools dangerous, and where magnetic materials in the field can disturb the image.
*Gaskets used to create an RF-tight (resistant to radio frequency leakage) seal, the electronic seal on doors used with [[Electromagnetic compatibility|EMC]] testing, and [[anechoic chamber]]s.
*In the 1980s, beryllium copper was used in the manufacture of [[Golf club (equipment)|golf clubs]], particularly [[Wedge (golf)|wedges]] and [[putter]]s. Though some golfers prefer the feel of beryllium copper club heads, regulatory concerns and high costs have made beryllium copper clubs difficult to find in current production.
*Kiefer Plating (defunct) of [[Elkhart, Indiana]] built beryllium-copper [[trumpet|trumpet bells]] for the Schilke Music Co. of Chicago. These lightweight bells produce a sound preferred by some musicians.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bell, Slide and Finish Options {{!}} The Schilke Loyalist {{!}} Jim Donaldson |url=https://www.everythingtrumpet.com/schilke/Bells_slides_and_finish.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=www.everythingtrumpet.com}}</ref>
*Beryllium copper wire<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lfa-wire.com/berylliu.htm |title=Beryllium Copper |accessdate=2009-05-08 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627024321/http://www.lfa-wire.com/berylliu.htm |archivedate=2009-06-27 }}</ref> is produced in many forms: round, square, flat, and shaped, in coils, on spools, and in straight lengths.
*Beryllium copper valve seats and guides are used in high-performance four-stroke engines with coated titanium valves. BeCu dissipates heat from the valve as much as seven times faster than powdered steel or iron seats and guides. The softer BeCu reduces valve wear and increases valve life.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}}