Beryllium Copper, the New Gold?

[MartinPauli]

I have posted a few information on my nib project in the past.

 

This week I have started production of 200 Beryllium Copper #9 nibs.

The blanks have been milled on my Pantograph milling machine.

 

Then the Beryllium Copper blanks were soft annealed at 650ºC for 1 hour.

The material has become very soft, ready to bend into shape on a set of tools I made.

Once bent, the nibs will be hardened (solution Annealing) at 760ºC for 40 minutes to reach a maximum hardness of around 50 Rockwell while a good stainless steel knife reaches +/- 60 Rockwell.

 

Finally, the parts are relaxed (Age Hardening) at 300ºC for 2 to 3 hours to reach a maximum hardness of 50 Rockwell but best spring characteristics.

If a softer and more flexible nib is needed 260ºC for 4-6 Hours would do it.

 

Imagine, Beryllium Copper has better properties regarding durability and flexibility than any other metal alloy, and offers very high corrosion protection.

 

Think about: Beryllium Copper is made from 99% pure Copper and only 0.3% Beryllium. It's impressive how two metals in combination can change properties.

 

Have a great weekend

 

Best regards,

Martin

 

[Lithium466]

This sounds very cool. I'm hoping for a spare nib for some of my pens someday, but probably this is more of a dream than anything else.

[boilermaker1975]

@MartinPauli What precautions do you take while milling?