Resources

1. Advances in Near Net Shaped Optical Grade Beryllium Technologies - Materion Brush Beryllium and Composites

   To address the perceived higher cost and perceived long lead times of beryllium as an optical substrate material, Materion Brush Beryllium & Composites has developed a number of near net shape manufacturing technologies utilizing a new isotropic grade of beryllium, O-30 spherical powder.

2. Advances in Near Net Shaping Optical Grade Beryllium Reduces Costs for Optical and Space Industry

   To improve cryogenic stability and address the perceived higher cost of optical grade beryllium, Materion Brush Beryllium & Composites has developed a new optical grade of beryllium, O-30 spherical powder. The use of near net shape parts utilizing O-30 spherical powder can reduce manufacturing costs and schedules.

3. Aluminum Beryllium (AlBeMet®) Materials show Excellent Thermal Stability for use in Head Mirrors, Night Vision Systems and Fire Control Optics

   When evaluated as an optical substrate for head mirrors, night vision systems, and fire control optics, AlBeMet® 162 shows excellent thermal stability over a military environmental temperature range of -40°F to +140°F.

4. Beryllium Demonstrates Superior Mechanical Properties over Silicon Carbide and Glass for Large Stable Mirror Substrates

   While silicon carbide and glass are commonly used as mirror substrate materials, beryllium offers distinct advantages over glass and demonstrates superior mechanical properties over silicon carbide.

5. Beryllium is a Favorite Material for Low Scatter Cryogenic Optics because of it's High Stiffness-to-Weight Ratio and Excellent Thermal Properties at Low Temperatures

   Beryllium is a favorite material of space sensor designers because of its high stiffness-to-weight ratio and excellent thermal properties at low temperatures. Materion Brush Beryllium & Composites is utilizing HIP technology to further improve beryllium's optical properties.

6. Beryllium Is Attractive Material for Robust Advanced Broadband Baffles per Manufacturing Operations Development and Integration Laboratory (MODIL)

   The Optics Manufacturing Operations Development and Integration Laboratory (MODIL) has demonstrated that lightweight, robust, diffuse-absorptive baffles can be fabricated from beryllium-based materials.

7. Beryllium Offers Highest Design Requirements of Precision Optics - Materion Brush Beryllium and Composites

   As an alternative to glass and other mirror substrates, beryllium has met the highest design requirements of precision optics. The optical applications of beryllium include weather satellites, fire control systems, and astronomy telescopes.

8. Beryllium Optical Materials Brochure

   Beryllium’s combination of low density, high stiffness-to-density ratio, and dimensional stability provide unmatched performance when used as mirror material in satellites, telescopes, and military targeting and firing systems.

9. Beryllium's Relative Strength Benefit Missile Payloads per Cost Adjustment Report - Materion Brush Beryllium and Composites

   Beryllium’s light weight and relative strength are an attractive benefit to designers challenged to reduce the weight of missile payloads. Since aluminum and titanium must be significantly heavier to provide beryllium’s equivalent stiffness, beryllium is an affordable option to those metals.

10. Beryllium's Superior Physical and Thermal Capabilities Score a Hit with Star Wars Reflector - Materion Brush Beryllium and Composites

    Impressed by beryllium's superior physical and thermal capabilities, aerospace design engineers chose Materion Brush Beryllium & Composites’ beryllium mirrors for use on satellites based on Strategic Defense Initiative technology.