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SILVER-CADMIUM OXIDE ELKANITES – DX SERIES

The most important feature of this group of materials is an unsurpassed combination of high conductivity coupled with a resistance to both welding and erosion over a wide range of operating conditions.

To obtain maximum economy and reliability, choice of the most suitable grade of Elkanite DX series silver-cadmium oxide for each application is important. Elkanite DX series materials can be produced by several methods, each of which imparts slightly different characteristics to the material. The selection of the optimum material depends on the shape, size and specific application for which it is required.


Product name
Nominal Composition Electrical Conductivity % IACS Thermal Conductivity W/mK

Hardness
Elkanite D54 90% Ag-CdO 84 368 50 HV
Elkanite D55 85% Ag-CdO 72 345 50HV
Elkanite D54X 90% Ag-CdO 84 368 55 HV
Elkanite D55X 85% Ag-CdO 77 355 62 HV

Most ELCB designers specify an Elkanite contact material containing a minimum of 85% silver by weight. The severity of the short circuit current carrying requirement normally stipulated means that the Elkanite DX range is usually specified with Elkanite D55 and Elkanite D55X generally being confined to the most severe applications.

Contactors are essentially relays, which must not only carry the rated current but also must repeatedly make and break currents, which may be several times this value. Arcing, normally a characteristic of contactor operation, can locally melt the contact material, damaging the surface. Should contact bounce occur on make, a pair of contacts my close together on the damaged surface before it has a chance to solidify. Not only is contact welding then likely but also each successive arc increases the irregularity of the surface and the likelihood of subsequent welding.

Contactors therefore require contact materials that combine high electrical and thermal conductivity with good resistance to welding and wear.

The Elkanite DX range fulfils all these needs.

All Mallory Alloys Group products conform to, if not exceed, the relevant standards as assured by the Quality Management System

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