Material Spotlight: AlBeMet

Developed by Materion Corporation, AlBeMet is an aluminum-beryllium metal composite. It is 62% commercially pure beryllium and 38% pure aluminum. It is a powdered substance that is consolidated by Hot Isostatic Pressed, Extruded, and Rolled Sheet. It combines the high modulus and low density found in Beryllium metals with the easy fabrication and mechanical properties of Aluminum. 

This trademarked material has numerous remarkable properties. The powder organizes aluminum between beryllium dendrites producing a uniform microstructure. It has a very low thermal expansion coefficient but a high thermal conductivity. 

 

• Aerospace
• Defense
• Electronics
• Satellite Technology

It is easy to use, versatile and can be manufactured with the same metal finishing techniques as aluminum.

Aerospace Manufacturing 
No manufacturing industry is more interested in reducing the weight of their products more than the Aerospace industry. Dealing with a wide variety of aircraft, it is key that they are manufactured with the lightest functional material possible. Since its creation, AlBeMet has been frequently used in the aerospace industry on a wide range of different components. From small parts like antennae or optical systems to larger applications with Boeing and SpaceX, AlBeMet is widely used in the Aerospace industry. 

Electronics
Another common use for AlBeMet is within electronics. Due to its thermal capabilities, AlBeMet makes for an excellent pairing with electronic parts that experience frequent use and must combat overheating. On top of this, the high specific stiffness leads to a vibration dampening quality that is vastly superior to its metal peers. By dampening vibrations and managing temperature, AlBeMet greatly increases the longevity and effectiveness of electronic components.  

Defense Industry 
Another industry constantly looking for innovative ways to reduce size and weight, the U.S military has utilized AlBeMet in a variety of ways. The compound can be found in some of their aircraft, as well as their sensor and optical technologies. Much like the aerospace industry, AlBeMet helps military aircraft become stronger while simultaneously reducing weight. In addition, AlBeMet is also frequently used in ballistic missile designs, mainly for its unmatched dimensional stability and low thermal expansion levels.   These are only a few of the uses for AlBeMet. As the metal finishing industry continues to grow and change, it is certain that even more uses for AlBeMet will be developed.