In high-precision actuation applications such as smartphone camera autofocus systems, optical image stabilization (OIS), and medical imaging devices, voice coil motors (VCMs) serve as critical electromechanical actuators, with their performance directly influencing imaging quality and system responsiveness. The spring component within a VCM is subject to stringent requirements regarding mechanical strength, elastic stability, corrosion resistance, and precision manufacturability through etching processes.

To address the persistent challenges associated with reliance on imported high-end VCM spring materials—such as supply chain instability, extended lead times, and elevated costs—Shenzhen UrbanMines Alloy Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the School of Materials Science at a leading Hong Kong university, has successfully developed two proprietary copper alloy strip materials: UM158-TM10 and UM159-ESH. These innovations have been granted Chinese national invention patents, marking a significant milestone in domestic material independence.

       


⚙  UM158-TM10: High-strength Cu-Ni-Sn alloy redefining performance benchmarks for VCM springs  

UM158-TM10 is an advanced copper-nickel-tin alloy engineered for high-precision etching and demanding elastic applications. Its key technical advantages include:  
- Tensile strength ≥ 1200 N/mm², surpassing that of conventional titanium copper and many beryllium copper alloys;  
- High elastic modulus and superior fatigue resistance, ensuring long-term structural integrity under repeated dynamic loading and impact conditions;  
- Exceptional etchability, producing clean, burr-free edges without warping, meeting micron-level accuracy requirements for intricate VCM spring patterns;  
- Ideal for use in high-performance optical drive components, including autofocus (AF) actuator springs and OIS mechanisms in smartphone cameras.

⚙  UM159-ESH: Heat-treatment-free high-strength titanium copper alloy for micro-electronic and VCM applications  

UM159-ESH is a precipitation-strengthened titanium-copper alloy achieving a tensile strength exceeding 1100 N/mm² without requiring post-fabrication heat treatment. Its performance is comparable to industry-standard beryllium copper C17200, while offering distinct advantages:  
- High wear resistance coupled with excellent electrical conductivity, making it well-suited for high-frequency electrical contacts in VCMs and micro-terminal connectors;  
- Robust corrosion resistance, enabling reliable operation in humid or chemically aggressive environments;  
- Compatibility with standard photolithographic etching processes, ensuring high pattern fidelity and consistent manufacturing yields.

       


⚙  Precision etching compatibility and scalable production capabilities  

Both alloys are compatible with conventional ferric chloride and copper sulfate-based etching systems. When used in conjunction with photoresist masking techniques, they enable the fabrication of micro-structured VCM springs with exceptional dimensional consistency and complexity. Currently available in thicknesses of 0.03 mm, 0.04 mm, and 0.05 mm, these materials support mass production with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 200 kg per master roll. Standard specifications can be delivered within one week, while custom orders have a lead time of only 1.5 months—significantly reducing the risk of production disruptions due to supply shortages.

⚙  Technological autonomy, secure supply chains, and the localization of high-end electronic materials  

The successful development of UM158-TM10 and UM159-ESH represents not only a breakthrough in material performance but also a strategic advancement toward self-reliance in China’s high-end functional alloy sector. These materials have undergone rigorous validation by multiple leading optoelectronic module manufacturers and are progressively replacing imported alternatives by offering competitive advantages in cost efficiency, delivery reliability, and performance consistency—thereby gaining increasing recognition and trust in the global market.

For further information on technical specifications and potential collaboration opportunities, please contact the UrbanMines Alloy Technical Team.