SPECIALIST ALLOYS

High-performance copper alloys have a strong bond, good electrical conductivity, and a high resistance to thermal relaxation. The latter attribute characterizes the material's capacity to maintain a connector's spring force as high as feasible for extended periods of time at high temperatures. The capability is based on precipitation hardening, a metallurgical phenomenon.

These alloys are well-known for their use in a wide range of applications, including microprocessor sockets, miniature connectors (such board-to-board connections), contact springs in terminal blocks, relays, switches, and spring connectors.

In cases were a higher strength and high conductivity is required, alloys containing small amounts of solid solution hardening atoms such as tin and zinc are used. For example, CuSn0.15 and CuFe2P