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Refractory Metal AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR

Supply condition

SHT-CR = sheet

Highest-strength sheet condition; choose for stiffness/strength-critical flat parts that will only be machined, not formed.

High cost $$$$

Values for the SHT-CR 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 datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
HIPDefault
Hot isostatic pressed
Isotropic HIP consolidated billet/near-net shape — the standard stock form for machined instrument structures and housings.1932622.5100 HB210 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.2553455105 HB38 % IACS
SHT-CRThis page
Sheet
Highest-strength sheet condition; choose for stiffness/strength-critical flat parts that will only be machined, not formed.3304203125 HB37 % IACS

What is AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR?

AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR is AlBeMet AM162 supplied in the SHT-CR condition — highest-strength sheet condition; choose for stiffness/strength-critical flat parts that will only be machined, not formed. AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR has a yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — stronger than 50% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi). AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR 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). HIP is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SHT-CR is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Easy to machine — 42/100, better than 97% of refractory metal grades
  • Lightweight — 2.1 g/cm³ (0.0759 lb/in³), better than 91% of refractory metal grades
  • Conducts heat well — 205 W/m·K (118.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of refractory metal grades
  • High electrical conductivity — 37 % IACS, better than 90% of refractory metal grades

Limitations

  • Limited service temperature — 250°C (482 °F), worse than 100% of refractory metal grades
  • Hard to polish — 50/100, worse than 93% of refractory metal grades
  • Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 88% of refractory metal grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 86% of refractory metal grades
  • Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 86% of refractory metal grades

AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR properties

Typical room-temperature values for AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR; 21 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 SHT-CR 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).

Density2.1 g/cm³0.08 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)644°C1,191 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,250°C2,282 °F

Mechanical11

AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR has a yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — stronger than 50% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus196 GPa28.4 Msi
Shear Modulus82 GPa11.9 Msi
Bulk Modulus98 GPa14.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.17
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)420 MPa60.9 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)330 MPa47.9 ksi
Elongation at Break3%
Shear Strength275 MPa39.9 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)200 MPa29 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)13 MPa·√m11.8 ksi·√in
Hardness, Brinell125 HB

Thermal5

AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 205 W/m·K (118.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 13.9 µm/m·K (7.72 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity205 W/m·K118 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity1,560 J/kg·K0.37 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)13.9 µm/m·K7.7 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)250°C482 °F
Min Service Temperature-269°C-452 °F

Electrical3

AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR conducts electricity at 37 % IACS, better than 90% of refractory metal grades.

Electrical Conductivity37 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity4.7×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.85 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 86% of refractory metal grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.8 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair45/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryStable in dry air with a protective oxide; the Be phase is preferentially attacked by chlorides, humid salt air and by both strong acids and alkalis — protective coatings (electroless Ni, chromate/anodic conversion, paint) are standard for service exposure.

Sustainability3

Producing a kilogram of AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR 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%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)1,400 MJ/kg601,892 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)95 kg CO₂/kg
Typical Recycled Content5%

Manufacturability8

AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 97% of refractory metal grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability not recommended (10/100).

MachinabilityFair42/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)38%
WeldabilityPoor20/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended10/100
CastabilityNot recommended10/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood60/100
PolishabilityFair50/100
Anodizing Responsefair — sulfuric/chromic anodizing wets only the aluminum phase, giving a patchy non-uniform film; electroless nickel or chromate conversion is the usual finish

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR

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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Beberyllium powder phase60 – 6462
BeOoxide from powder surface≤ 10.5
Fe≤ 0.10.05
C≤ 0.10.03
Others (each)total others ≤ 0.15≤ 0.04—
Alaluminum matrix≥ 36 (balance)—

AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR — frequently asked

What is AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR used for?

AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR 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 SHT-CR?

AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — stronger than 50% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.

Is AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated fair (42/100, better than 97% 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 SHT-CR be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). 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 SHT-CR?

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 SHT-CR 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 SHT-CR?

AlBeMet AM162 SHT-CR is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °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

  1. AlBeMet AM162 / AM162H Product Data Sheet — Materion Beryllium & Composites (2022)
  2. Beryllium Chemistry and Processing — ASM International (2009)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  4. 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.