ToughMet® 3

ToughMet® 3 is a wrought copper-nickel-tin alloy which is similar to beryllium copper alloys. The fundamental difference is that ToughMet® 3 has reduced conductivity when compared to its beryllium copper counterparts. However, it is comparable in performance to beryllium copper alloys but without containing beryllium at all.

The alloy is non-magnetic and thermally strengthened using a heat treatment process called spinodal decomposition. Improvements in this heat treatment process have resulted in an end product aged to a much higher strength level. The alloy offers numerous performance benefits with a combination of high toughness and high strength, which is resistant to dynamic impact loading. The product also provides galling and high bearing resistance and is suitable for use in both saltwater and sour service environments. Its high strength and low coefficient of friction make it well suited for use as a bushing and bearing material. The alloy also out-performs many nickel and copper alloys in corrosive environments.

Traditionally, used in bushings and bearings, particularly in aircraft, ToughMet® 3 has also become popular in oil and gas applications due to its performance in sour service.

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Motorsport Applications

We stock ToughMet® 3 in bar, plate and wire

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Machinability

The product benefits from excellent machinability and can be used to produce intricate parts. The material can be machined at extremely high speeds with carbide tooling although generous amounts of coolant should be applied. In general, ToughMet® 3 machines very well, especially with a chip breaker to control cutting resistance.

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