Used as base metal in battery contacts and electronic connectors in cell phones and base stations, beryllium copper is often the only material that meets the need for high reliability and miniaturization in these applications. FM radio, high-definition and cable television and underwater fiber optic cable systems also depend on beryllium. Beryllium keeps civilization humming along safely. Air bag sensors, ignition, power steering and electronic auto systems, fire extinguishers and sprinkler heads all depend on beryllium for optimum performance. The medical profession relies on beryllium for applications in pacemakers and lasers used to analyze blood for HIV and other diseases.
Beryllium bolsters our nation's defenses.
Military electronic targeting and infrared countermeasure systems use beryllium components, as do advanced missile and radar navigation systems. Beryllium is also a staple material in Apache helicopters, fighter aircraft and tanks, surveillance satellites, and aircraft landing gear components. Cutting edge computer and laser technology owes much to beryllium. As computers get smaller, lighter and faster, a combination of beryllium and copper is often the only material that enables the computer industry to meet the demands placed on microprocessor connectors. For ultra-high speed optical laser scanners used in copy machines, photo separators and airport luggage handling, there is no competitive substitute for beryllium.