| Platinum has complete freedom from atmospheric corrosion and is preferred for devices that have low closed forces and where surety of making a circuit may be a problem. It has a high melting point (1769(C) and good resistance to forming arcs. Low electrical conductivity (15% IACS) limits its application to low currents, usually below 5 amperes. Because of the high cost of the platinum ELKONIUM alloys, they are almost always supplied as composite contacts with thin facings of the ELKONIUM metal (silver brazed to nickel plated steel backings in the form of rivets, screws and weld buttons). ELKONIUM 33 and ELKONIUM 331 material grades have higher ruthenium content and have essentially the same hardness as the platinum-iridium alloy, ELKONIUM 32. It is less expensive than CMW's ELKONIUM 32 material. Because of its high hardness, it is used in many magneto applications. All five alloys have low transfer characteristics and are used in voltage regulators and motor speed governors. They can be used as a positive contact paired with tungsten negative contact for improved transfer resistance. They also have high tarnish resistance and are suitable for many sensitive, low voltage applications. Information provided by NAECO, LLC. |
