Production and Properties of AgW50 Composites Designated for Electric Contacts

The purpose of the studies was to determine production parameters of AgW50 composite contact material. Fabrication of contact tips from this material was carried out by powder metallurgy method including preparation of the powder mixture, pressing, sintering and optional repressing under pressure of not less than 600 MPa. This technology enables production of contact tips with different shape and size without application of machining. The required material structure, i.e. uniform distribution of tungsten particles in the silver matrix, was achieved by milling conducted in the planetary ball mill. The further operations of this technological process, i.e. optimization of consolidation parameters, enabled fabrication of material characterized by high density and functional (electrical) properties.