VT machining provides CNC Turning Beryllium Copper for customers who need accurate, repeatable Beryllium Copper components. Because Beryllium Copper is high strength with good conductivity and fatigue life, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Starting Parameters for CNC Turning Beryllium Copper
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 80-160 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed | 0.08-0.22 mm/rev |
| Spindle speed, Ø25 mm bar | 1020-2040 rpm |
| Insert / tool class | ISO H — CBN or fine-grain carbide |
| Coolant | Flood coolant (required to control beryllium-bearing dust) |
Shown for C17200 Beryllium Copper, the most common Beryllium Copper grade we see for CNC Turning. Starting values for C17200 Beryllium Copper, Solution annealed (TB00) or aged (TH04); optimised on the first article.
CNC Turning Capability for Beryllium Copper
- Diameter tolerance to ±0.005 mm
- Concentricity within 0.01 mm
- OD/ID, threading, grooving
- Bar and chuck work
Beryllium Copper Material Data
| Density | 8.25 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 1140–1380 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 1000–1200 MPa |
| Hardness | 36–42 HRC |
| Melting point | 866–980 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 105–130 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 17.8 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 22% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 20–35% |
| Grades we run | C17200, C17300, C17510 (high conductivity), C17410 |
Published typical values for C17200 (TH04/AT). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Machined in the solution-annealed state and age-hardened afterwards, which shrinks the part by roughly 0.1–0.2%. That shrink is compensated in the program.
How CNC Turning Beryllium Copper Works
The Beryllium Copper bar or billet rotates in the spindle while single-point tools shape outer diameters, bores, faces, grooves and threads. Constant surface speed control keeps cutting conditions stable from large to small diameters.
Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Turning Beryllium Copper
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | ±0.05 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Bore diameter | H9 | H6 |
| Length / shoulder position | ±0.10 mm | ±0.020 mm |
| Concentricity OD to ID | 0.05 mm TIR | 0.010 mm TIR |
| Roundness | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Thread class | 6g / 2A | 4h / 3A |
| Surface finish, as turned | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Design Tips for CNC Turning Beryllium Copper
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help Beryllium Copper turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Working with Beryllium Copper
As a material, Beryllium Copper is high strength with good conductivity and fatigue life. Our setup reflects the alloy's machinability so the finished part is accurate and free of avoidable defects.
We verify the exact grade and condition before machining, and traceable mill certs are available on request. We can work to your nominated material source or specification when required.
CNC Turning Tolerances & Surface Finish
Turned Beryllium Copper holds diameter tolerances to about ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm and good roundness. Turned finishes of Ra 0.4–0.8 µm are achievable with finishing passes and sharp tooling.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Applications of CNC Turning Beryllium Copper
Customers order CNC Turning Beryllium Copper components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.
Typical Beryllium Copper Parts for CNC Turning
Illustrative examples of CNC Turning Beryllium Copper parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Bearing spacer
- Material
- Beryllium Copper
- Size
- Ø35 / Ø22 × 9 mm
- Key callouts
- Thickness ±0.005 mm, parallelism 0.005 mm
- Batch
- 4,000 pcs
Turned then double-disc ground — thickness this tight is not a lathe job.
Nozzle body
- Material
- Beryllium Copper
- Size
- Ø12 × 46 mm
- Key callouts
- Ø0.6 mm orifice ±0.01 mm, internal taper 20°
- Batch
- 600 pcs
Orifice EDM-drilled after turning; a drill wanders at that diameter.
Threaded fitting
- Material
- Beryllium Copper
- Size
- Ø22 hex × 38 mm
- Key callouts
- G3/8" thread class 4h, bore H8, sealing face Ra 0.8 µm
- Batch
- 2,500 pcs
Run on a sub-spindle lathe so the back face is finished without a second setup.
Finishing Options for Beryllium Copper
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Turning Beryllium Copper
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Beryllium Copper grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Turning
Other Processes for Beryllium Copper
Send the drawing, the Beryllium Copper grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Why is Beryllium Copper a good choice for CNC Turning?
Beryllium Copper is high strength with good conductivity and fatigue life, which makes it well suited to CNC Turning. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Beryllium Copper turning part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Turning Beryllium Copper?
CNC Turning prototypes for Beryllium Copper can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
Does CNC Turning Beryllium Copper require dedicated tooling?
Most Beryllium Copper turning work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
What surface finish is achievable on Beryllium Copper with CNC Turning?
Surface finish on Beryllium Copper is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
What is CNC Turning Beryllium Copper and how is it done?
CNC Turning Beryllium Copper refers to cNC turning rotates the workpiece against a single-point tool to produce cylindrical features, threads and grooves. Applied to Beryllium Copper — high strength with good conductivity and fatigue life — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.