In low-voltage electrical applications, silver-cadmium oxide (AgCdO) electrical contact tips have long been regarded as a ‘universal material’ due to their unique physical and chemical characteristics. This material offers low, stable contact resistance, good electrical and thermal conductivity, and strong arc erosion resistance with reliable switching performance and long service life, allowing AgCdO to maintain an irreplaceable position in high-current and high-reliability applications.

To meet different customer requirements, we offer various silver-cadmium oxide ratios such as AgCdO10, AgCdO12, AgCdO15, and AgCdO17. Generally, a higher cadmium oxide content improves anti-welding performance (less sticking), but reduces electrical conductivity and formability. Using higher silver content improves electrical and thermal conductivity but weakens anti-welding capability.

Also, our silver cadmium contact tips have a density of approximately 9.8–10.2 g/cm³, an electrical conductivity of 65–75% IACS, and excellent thermal conductivity. Mechanically, its hardness can be adjusted between 60 and 150 HV, varying the degrees of work hardening.

This silver electrical contact plays a critical role: as an arc is generated, it rapidly decomposes and absorbs heat, forming a high‑resistance layer that effectively prevents contact welding and sticking. At the same time, the silver matrix ensures low and stable contact resistance.

The excellent properties described above are largely determined by the manufacturing process. Silver cadmium oxide sheet is mainly manufactured by the internal oxidation process: a silver-cadmium alloy is first melted, then hot-rolled and cold-rolled to the required thickness, and finally heated in an oxygen atmosphere (typically 700–800°C). During this heat treatment, cadmium diffuses to the surface and reacts with oxygen to form uniformly distributed cadmium oxide particles.

This process produces a strip with fine, homogeneous CdO distribution and is particularly suitable for producing sheets in the thickness range of 0.08–1.5 mm. It is efficient, stable, and the mainstream technology for manufacturing high-quality AgCdO electrical contact plates.

The reliability of electrical contacts begins with material selection and is realized through process control. The right material composition determines inherent properties such as conductivity, anti-welding, and arc resistance, while a stable manufacturing process ensures these properties are consistently delivered across every batch and every piece.