ABM Beryllium Contact

All ABM F81 splices and ground block products use a beryllium contact. Beryllium is used because of it’s ability to ward off oxidization, and it’s superior memory retention. Our standard contact is able to retain an 18awg RG6 center conductor for over 10 years, then switch to a 22awg mini cable center conductor, without any loss of retention, or performance. People ask why we still use beryllium while many others have gone to cheaper materials, and our answer is simple “some corners just shouldn’t be cut”.

Beryllium is a Group 2 (IIA) element. At ordinary temperatures, beryllium resists oxidation in air. Its ability to scratch glass is probably due to the formation of a thin layer of the oxide. Aquamarine and emerald are precious forms of the mineral beryl, [Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆].

The Essentials of Beryllium

	Name: Beryllium
	Symbol: Be
	Atomic number: 4
	Atomic weight: 9.012182 (3)
	Period number: 2
	Group number: 2
	Group name: Alkaline earth metal
	Block: S-block
	Color: lead grey
	Classification: Metallic
	Standard state: solid at 298 K
	Availability: Beryllium is available in several forms including foil, lump, and powder.
	CAS Registry ID: 7440-41-7

The Isolation of Beryllium

Beryllium metal is available commercially and so would never normally be made in the laboratory. Its extraction from ores is complex. The mineral beryl, [Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆] is the most important source of beryllium. It is roasted with sodimu hexafluorosilicate, Na₂SiF₆, at 700°C to form beryllium fluoride. This is water soluble and the beryllium may be precipitated as the hydroxide Be(OH)₂ by adjustment of the pH to 12.

Pure beryllium may be obtained by electrolysis of molten BeCl₂ containing some NaCl. The salt is added since the molten BeCl₂ conducts very poorly. Another method involves the reduction of beryllium fluoride with magnesium at 1300°C.

ABM Knurled Nut Head

Many of our F-connectors and Mini connectors use our trademark Knurled Nut Head.

One of the biggest problems for an installer is that the 7/16 hex nut can be tough to work with. During bouts of harsh weather, or working behind a wall or TV set, the small hex can prove to be a pain. Enter the ABM knurled nut. This allows the installer a place to grip the connector for installation. Once the connector is hand tight, the installer can then use their torque wrench to ensure proper torque is achieved. The ABM knurled connector is another example of how we help both the installer with more convenient tools, and the accounting department with lower costs and fewer man hours.

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