Abstract

This specification covers electrical contact components made from silver-nickel by powder metallurgical procedures. This covers compositions within the silver-nickel system normally specified by users of electrical contacts. Chemical analysis shall be performed to evaluate material conformance to specified composition requirements. A representative sample of chips may be obtained by milling, drilling, or crushing with dry tools, (without lubrication). In order to obtain free chips, the parts selected for testing shall have the oil extracted, if necessary. Physical tests including microstructure shall be performed on a representative number of specimens.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

Significance and Use

Proprietary methods for manufacture of these materials vary significantly among suppliers and these methods influence such properties as arc erosion, contact resistance, and the tendency to weld in service. Since the performance of contacts in a device depends on numerous factors outside the contact itself (opening speed, closing speed, contact pressure, contact bounce, environmental variations, assembly technique and variations, etc.), this specification cannot ensure performance control in the application. As part of the qualification on initial samples, it is recommended that the user functionally test the materials electrically for all devices applicable to the material's use. This specification provides a means for the contact manufacturer and contact user to reach agreement on the details of material to be supplied for a specific use and reasonable assurance that future lots will be similar in properties and microstructure to the initial test or sample contact supplied.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers electrical contact components made from silver nickel by powder metallurgical procedures.

1.2 This specification covers compositions within the silver-nickel system normally specified by users of electrical contacts.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety and health practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

B328 Test Method for Density, Oil Content, and Interconnected Porosity of Sintered Metal Structural Parts and Oil-Impregnated Bearings

E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials

E384 Test Method for Knoop and Vickers Hardness of Materials

Keywords

contacts; electrical contacts; electrical contact materials; impurities; silver-nickel ; Electrical contact materials (silver-nickel); Silver (electrical/electronic applications)--specifications; Silver-nickel electrical contact alloys

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 77.120.99 (Other non-ferrous metals and their alloys)

DOI: 10.1520/B0693-91R12

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM B693