Abstract: This invention provides a method for production of reproducible heat treated parts with improved mechanical properties. More specifically, the invention provides a process which comprises the steps of preparing, for example, a copper beryllium alloy melt, casting the alloy melt by a continuous process which uses rapid solidification process techniques or hot working a cast alloy and solution annealing the hot worked alloy, passing the alloy through one or more cold-working steps, applying mechanical and thermal treatments to decrease the residual lattice strains created by cold working the alloy, and then subjecting the alloy to a heat treatment, at temperatures ranging between 250.degree. F. and 800.degree. F., in a heat treating media that gives a rate of heat flow from the interface into the alloy that is fast enough to create those (.alpha.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method for the production of reproducible parts formed from beryllium copper alloys. More specifically, the invention provides a process for the production of mill hardened beryllium copper strip, wire, rod or tubing with improved mechanical properties from which formed parts can be age hardened in a reproducible manner to give minimal distortion and improved mechanical properties over a broad range of temperatures. To this end the process comprises a deries of mechanical and thermal treatments which minimize or eliminate non-reproducible distortion by decreasing the magnitude of the residual stresses throughout the various steps of the process before the formation of precipitates becomes the dominant mechanism and by providing a more even patterned distribution of precipitates in the matrix of the alloy both prior to and after a thermal aging process.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method for production of formed parts from copper beryllium alloys. More specifically, this invention provides a process for the virtual elimination of the non-reproducible distortion which is currently experienced during the precipitation hardening of parts formed from copper beryllium alloys. To this end the process comprises a series of mechanical and thermal treatments which minimize or eliminate non-reproducible distortion by relieving or decreasing the magnitude of residual stresses throughout the various steps of the process before the formation of precipitates becomes dominant and by providing a more even patterned distribution of precipitates in the matrix of the alloy both prior to and after a thermal aging process. Additionally, the implementation of this process in conjunction with a precipitation hardening treatment utilizing a molten salt bath heating medium results in an alloy which exhibits an increased elongation in tandem with an increased proportional limit.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method for the production of formed parts from copper beryllium alloys. More specifically, this invention provides a process for the virtual elimination of the non-reproducible distortion which is currently experienced during the precipitation hardening of parts formed from copper beryllium alloys. To this end the process comprises a series of mechanical and thermal treatments which minimize or eliminate non-reproducible distortion by relieving or decreasing the magnitude of residual stresses throughout the various steps of the process before the formation of precipitates becomes dominant and by providing a more even patterned distribution of precipitates in the matrix of the alloy both prior to and after a thermal aging process.