Refractory Metal AlBeMet AM162-HIP (Hot isostatic pressed)
Print state · default condition
Isotropic HIP consolidated billet/near-net shape — the standard stock form for machined instrument structures and housings.
Values for the HIP condition
Other AlBeMet AM162 tempers and conditions
AlBeMet AM162 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at AlBeMet AM162.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HIPDefaultThis page Hot isostatic pressed | Isotropic HIP consolidated billet/near-net shape — the standard stock form for machined instrument structures and housings. | 193 | 262 | 2.5 | 100 HB | 210 W/m·K |
Sheet/plate | Cross-rolled and annealed sheet for panels, brackets and warm-formed parts where in-plane property balance and maximum ductility are wanted. | 255 | 345 | 5 | 105 HB | 38 % IACS |
Sheet | Highest-strength sheet condition; choose for stiffness/strength-critical flat parts that will only be machined, not formed. | 330 | 420 | 3 | 125 HB | 37 % IACS |
What is AlBeMet AM162-HIP?
AlBeMet AM162-HIP is AlBeMet AM162 in the HIP condition — isotropic HIP consolidated billet/near-net shape — the standard stock form for machined instrument structures and housings. AlBeMet AM162-HIP has a yield strength of 193 MPa (28 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 90% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). AlBeMet AM162-HIP has a density of 2.1 g/cm³ (0.0759 lb/in³), lighter than 91% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 644°C (1,191 °F).
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 45/100, better than 99% of refractory metal grades
- Conducts heat well — 210 W/m·K (121.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 94% of refractory metal grades
- Lightweight — 2.1 g/cm³ (0.0759 lb/in³), better than 91% of refractory metal grades
- High electrical conductivity — 38 % IACS, better than 90% of refractory metal grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 93% of refractory metal grades
- Hard to polish — 50/100, worse than 93% of refractory metal grades
- Low strength — 193 MPa (28 ksi), worse than 90% of refractory metal grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 86% of refractory metal grades
- Low fracture toughness — 13 MPa·√m (11.8 ksi·√in), worse than 82% of refractory metal grades
AlBeMet AM162-HIP properties
Typical room-temperature values for AlBeMet AM162-HIP; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are AlBeMet AM162 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among refractory metal grades.
Physical3
AlBeMet AM162-HIP has a density of 2.1 g/cm³ (0.0759 lb/in³), lighter than 91% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 644°C (1,191 °F).
Mechanical11
AlBeMet AM162-HIP has a yield strength of 193 MPa (28 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 90% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal5
AlBeMet AM162-HIP is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 210 W/m·K (121.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 94% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 13.9 µm/m·K (7.72 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
AlBeMet AM162-HIP conducts electricity at 38 % IACS, better than 90% of refractory metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 86% of refractory metal grades.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of AlBeMet AM162-HIP takes about 1,400 MJ of energy and emits 95 kg of CO₂ — more than 67% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.
Manufacturability8
AlBeMet AM162-HIP's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 99% of refractory metal grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability poor (15/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with AlBeMet AM162-HIP
Is AlBeMet AM162 easy to machine?
Machines like an abrasive Al-MMC with PCD or fine-grain carbide, high speed / light feed; all cutting, grinding and deburring must be wet or under HEPA extraction because Be-bearing dust is a chronic health hazard.
Can AlBeMet AM162 be welded?
Fusion welding is generally avoided (hot cracking, Be fume); electron-beam or laser welding with filler and Al-Si/Ag brazing or adhesive bonding are the accepted joining routes.
Can AlBeMet AM162 be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as HIP block, extrusion or cross-rolled sheet; room-temperature ductility is only 2–7 %, so any bending or forming is done warm (200–350 °C) with generous radii.
What surface finishes work on AlBeMet AM162?
Electroless nickel plate is the standard finish (also enables optical polishing and diamond turning); chromate conversion or paint for corrosion protection — plain anodizing is patchy because only the Al phase reacts.
AlBeMet AM162 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Beberyllium powder phase | 60 – 64 | 62 |
| BeOoxide from powder surface | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.1 | 0.05 |
| C | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Others (each)total others ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.04 | — |
| Alaluminum matrix | ≥ 36 (balance) | — |
AlBeMet AM162-HIP — frequently asked
What is AlBeMet AM162-HIP used for?
AlBeMet AM162-HIP is typically used for avionics chassis, missile guidance structures, space optical benches and high-speed rotating components. In short: beryllium stiffness, better toughness; machinable Al-Be composite; high stiffness with 210 W/m·K.
What is the yield strength of AlBeMet AM162-HIP?
AlBeMet AM162-HIP has a typical yield strength of 193 MPa (28 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 90% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is AlBeMet AM162-HIP easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, better than 99% of refractory metal grades). Machines like an abrasive Al-MMC with PCD or fine-grain carbide, high speed / light feed; all cutting, grinding and deburring must be wet or under HEPA extraction because Be-bearing dust is a chronic health hazard.
Can AlBeMet AM162-HIP be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Fusion welding is generally avoided (hot cracking, Be fume); electron-beam or laser welding with filler and Al-Si/Ag brazing or adhesive bonding are the accepted joining routes.
What surface finishes work on AlBeMet AM162-HIP?
Electroless nickel plate is the standard finish (also enables optical polishing and diamond turning); chromate conversion or paint for corrosion protection — plain anodizing is patchy because only the Al phase reacts.
Can AlBeMet AM162-HIP be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as HIP block, extrusion or cross-rolled sheet; room-temperature ductility is only 2–7 %, so any bending or forming is done warm (200–350 °C) with generous radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of AlBeMet AM162-HIP?
AlBeMet AM162-HIP is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between AlBeMet AM162-HIP and AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR?
HIP is the default condition — isotropic HIP consolidated billet/near-net shape — the standard stock form for machined instrument structures and housings. SHT-CR: highest-strength sheet condition; choose for stiffness/strength-critical flat parts that will only be machined, not formed. Yield strength is 193 MPa in HIP versus 330 MPa in SHT-CR.
Sources
- AlBeMet AM162 / AM162H Product Data Sheet — Materion Beryllium & Composites (2022)
- Beryllium Chemistry and Processing — ASM International (2009)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 3 — Alloy Phase Diagrams (Al-Be system) — ASM International (2016)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.