Electrical contact material selection requires a balance between current transfer, heat generation, contact force, wear and mechanical support.
Electrical and Thermal Requirements
Current, duty cycle, contact area and cooling determine the thermal load.
- High conductivity reduces resistive heating but may not provide enough strength by itself.
- Contact surfaces must remain stable under pressure and repeated operation.
- Water cooling, joint resistance and connection design should be reviewed together.
Material Options
Pure copper, OFC and CuCrZr cover different performance priorities.
- Pure copper supports high conductivity in suitable mechanical conditions.
- OFC may be selected for controlled oxygen and joining requirements.
- CuCrZr is often used where strength, wear and softening resistance are also important.
Purchase Checks
The RFQ should define the finished interface and verification method.
- Provide contact-face geometry, mounting holes, surface condition and mating part information.
- State conductivity, hardness, coating or plating requirements if applicable.
- Confirm dimensional, material and functional inspection documents.