The contact parts are important components in switching devices. They have to maintain their function from the new assembled state until the end of the functional life of the devices.
- Brass : Brass contacts offer cost benefits, good conductivity and dependable electrical and mechanical performance for simple low voltage and low current applications.
- Phosphor-Bronze : Phos-bronze contacts, on the other hand, generally perform well in extended high-temperature environments.
Phos-bronze is typically the material of choice for contacts used in moderate-power connectors.
- Beryllium Copper : Compared to brass and phosphor-bronze, Beryllium Copper has superior strength and spring properties and therefore comes in the smallest size and lightest weight.
Not surprisingly, Beryllium Copper is the contact material of choice for most telecom, military and aerospace applications. For smaller contacts, Beryllium Copper is the material of choice as it helps miniaturisation.
« Good Electrical and thermal conductivity
« Good Strength
« Good Spring Properties
« High arc erosion resistance
« High resistance against welding
« Low contact resistance
« Good arc moving properties
« Good arc extinguishing capability
« High hardness
« High corrosion resistance
« Good mechanical workability
« Environmentally friendly materials
« Copper Titanium alloys are beryllium free alloys, provide much better performance as compared to other alloys.
« Copper Titanium alloys have high strength and excellent spring properties over extended cycles.
« Copper Beryllium and Copper Titanium soften at much higher temperature without losing its conductivity drastically and therefore longevity in performance.
| - | Composition | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Annealing Temperature C | Conductivity IACSC | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Stainless Steel | « 12-20% Cr, 14-18% Ni | « 700 MPa | « 250 C | « 7%-8% | « 420 |
| « Spring Brass | « 70% Copper, 30% Zinc | « 500 MPa | « 180 C | « 50%-80% | « 120 |
| « Phosphorus Bronze | « 95% Copper, 4.5% Tungsten, Some Zinc | « 650 MPa | « 200 C | « 15% | « 202 |
| « Copper Beryllium | « 2% Beryllium | « 1200 MPa | « 400 C | « 11%-25% | « 340 |
| « Copper Titanium | « Proprietary info | « 1240 MPa | « 450 C | « 11%-25% | « 400 |
| « Electrical connectors | « MIL Standard Connectors Pins | « Phone Battery Contacts |
| « EMI Shielding Gaskets | « Touch Pad Springs | « Lugs |
| « Low Voltage Switchgear | « High Voltage Canted Springs | « Electrical Switch and Relay Blades |
| « Fuse Clips | « Spring Connectors | « Contact Bridges |
| « Belleville Washers | « Navigational Instruments |
