Combining beryllium with metals such as copper, nickel or aluminum significantly enhances their performance properties. This puts beryllium products in high demand for dozens of industries requiring high-performance applications when reliability is paramount. Beryllium in Action Modern society stays connected thanks to beryllium and beryllium alloys. 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.