Silver Tungsten

The silver and tungsten composite group combines the high thermal and electrical conductivity of silver with the high erosion resistance of the high melting tungsten. These materials are also characterized by their high strength and their resistance to welding or sticking. They are principally made by infiltration and the nominal silver content varies from 20-50%. By increasing the amount of tungsten, the hardness and welding is reduced. This composite group of alloys is specially preferred for use in air.

On account of their excellent properties, silver tungsten materials have found a wide field of applications.

They are used successfully with high tungsten content as burn-off contacts for large low-voltage circuit breakers and with lower contents as contacts carrying a steady line current for moulded case circuit breakers and in various protective circuit breakers. These contacts are also used in high current contactors where resistance to contact welding and arc erosion are required.