PdCu15 soft annealed (+A)

The material PdCu15 is according to Heraeus ductile, sufficiently corrosion-resistant, erosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant. It can be machined, with or without cutting, is roll-cladable, can be partially separated from the gas phase. On the one hand, PdCu-based alloys are more resistant to erosion than PdAg and, on the other hand, show a considerably lower tendency for material migration. They are therefore particularly suitable as a contact material for DC circuits and are usually used with 15% or 40% Cu admixture. PdCu15 forms homogeneous mixed crystals, while PdCu40 achieves an ordered microstructure by heat treatment below 600°C, which significantly reduces the electrical resistivity and almost completely eliminates the tendency for material migration. PdCu15 is used in flasher relays of motor vehicles and in the higher switching power range.