Metal for Electronics and Electrical Contacts: Conductive Selection

Metal for Electronics and Electrical Contacts: Conductive Selection

Short answer: Electronics metals are chosen for conductivity and springiness: copper for conductors, phosphor bronze and beryllium copper for contacts and connectors, controlled-expansion alloys for lead frames, and rare-earth magnets for actuators, each often finished with selective plating.

At a Glance

Metal for Electronics and Electrical Contacts: Conductive Selection chart
Figure 1 – Metal for Electronics and Electrical Contacts: Conductive Selection overview.

Conductivity Comes First

Copper C11000 carries most current paths because of its high IACS rating and low cost; trade-offs are in our Conductivity Guide, Copper vs Aluminium Wire и Copper Busbar Guide.

Springy and Formable Alloys

Contacts and connectors need fatigue resistance and formability, so phosphor bronze and beryllium copper dominate; see our Phosphor Bronze Guide и Beryllium Copper Supplier.

Magnets and Special Parts

Actuators and sensors use rare-earth magnets and specialty strips; our Rare-Earth Magnet Guide и Cobalt Alloy Supplier cover the materials.

Plating and Finish

Selective gold, tin or nickel plating controls contact resistance and solderability; the options are in our Electroplating Guide и Surface Treatment Guide.

Sourcing Electronic-Grade Stock

Buyers specify temper, surface and plating, then require certification; our How to Choose a Metal Supplier и Mill Test Certificate Guide frame the RFQ.

Get a Quote

Tell HXSCO your requirements and we will respond with a competitive quote and lead time.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

Which metal is the default conductor?

Copper C11000 for its high conductivity and low cost.

What is used for spring contacts?

Phosphor bronze for fatigue and formability, beryllium copper for strength.

Why beryllium copper in connectors?

It combines high strength with good conductivity and springiness.

How are contacts finished?

Selective gold, tin or nickel plating for resistance and solderability.

Can HXSCO supply electronic-grade stock?

We supply copper, bronze and beryllium copper with mill certificate; send the spec.

Source Electronics Metal from HXSCO

HXSCO supplies copper, phosphor bronze and beryllium copper for electronics with mill certificate. Send your specification for a quote.

Request a Quote