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Precious Metal 85Ag-15CdO-H02

Supply condition

ASTM B268

H02 = half hard

Common stocked temper for stamped contact buttons and strip that is welded rather than cold-formed.

High cost $$$$

Values for the H02 condition

Other 85Ag-15CdO tempers and conditions

85Ag-15CdO is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at 85Ag-15CdO.

Compare all 6 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
ODefault
Annealed
Default condition for cold-heading rivets, deep-drawing contact caps and welding to carriers; lowest hardness, highest conductivity.1202302058 HB75 % IACS
P/M sintered / extruded
Use where a homogeneous oxide distribution through thick contact tips is needed (internal oxidation cannot reach the core of heavy sections).1502451567 HB73 % IACS
Internally oxidized
Standard economical route for thin strip and rivets; gives a fine oxide gradient with a nearly oxide-free braze side.1702601274 HB76 % IACS
Quarter hard
Choose when rivets or contact tips need more stiffness and wear resistance but must still be headed or bent.2002751072 HB74 % IACS
H02This page
Half hard
Common stocked temper for stamped contact buttons and strip that is welded rather than cold-formed.250315684 HB73 % IACS
Full hard
Pick for maximum hardness, mechanical wear resistance and spring-back in flat contact strip that will not be formed after supply.300355397 HB72 % IACS

What is 85Ag-15CdO-H02?

85Ag-15CdO-H02 is 85Ag-15CdO supplied in the H02 condition — common stocked temper for stamped contact buttons and strip that is welded rather than cold-formed. 85Ag-15CdO-H02 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) — stronger than 81% of precious metal grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 82 GPa (11.9 Msi). 85Ag-15CdO-H02 has a density of 10.05 g/cm³ (0.363 lb/in³), lighter than 64% of precious metal grades. It melts at 940°C (1,724 °F). O is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H02 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High strength — 250 MPa (36.3 ksi), better than 81% of precious metal grades
  • High electrical conductivity — 73 % IACS, better than 77% of precious metal grades
  • Conducts heat well — 312 W/m·K (180.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 76% of precious metal grades

Limitations

  • Limited service temperature — 190°C (374 °F), worse than 100% of precious metal grades
  • Limited ductility — 6%, worse than 93% of precious metal grades
  • Limited formability — 50/100, worse than 90% of precious metal grades
  • Hard to polish — 70/100, worse than 76% of precious metal grades

85Ag-15CdO-H02 properties

Typical room-temperature values for 85Ag-15CdO-H02; 13 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 85Ag-15CdO reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among precious metal grades.

Physical3

85Ag-15CdO-H02 has a density of 10.05 g/cm³ (0.363 lb/in³), lighter than 64% of precious metal grades. It melts at 940°C (1,724 °F).

Density10.05 g/cm³0.36 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)940°C1,724 °F
Liquidus Temperature961°C1,762 °F

Mechanical11

85Ag-15CdO-H02 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) — stronger than 81% of precious metal grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 82 GPa (11.9 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus82 GPa11.9 Msi
Shear Modulus30 GPa4.4 Msi
Bulk Modulus100 GPa14.5 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.37
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)315 MPa45.7 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)250 MPa36.3 ksi
Elongation at Break6%
Shear Strength200 MPa29 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)120 MPa17.4 ksi
Hardness, Brinell84 HB
Hardness, Vickers88 HV

Thermal6

85Ag-15CdO-H02 is rated for continuous service to 190°C (374 °F). It conducts heat at 312 W/m·K (180.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 76% of precious metal grades. Thermal expansion is 19.4 µm/m·K (10.8 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity312 W/m·K180 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity235 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)19.4 µm/m·K10.8 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion90 J/g38.7 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)190°C374 °F
Min Service Temperature-200°C-328 °F

Electrical3

85Ag-15CdO-H02 conducts electricity at 73 % IACS, better than 77% of precious metal grades.

Electrical Conductivity73 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.36×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.929 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is excellent (88/100), better than 67% of precious metal grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)0.12 V
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent88/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryResistant to water, alkalis, most organics and clean atmospheres; tarnishes (Ag2S) in sulphur-bearing air and is attacked by nitric acid, hot concentrated sulphuric acid, halogens and ammonia-cyanide solutions.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 85Ag-15CdO-H02 takes about 1,500 MJ of energy and emits 115 kg of CO₂ — more than 51% of precious metal grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)1,500 MJ/kg644,885 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)115 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,600 L/kg192 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content45%

Manufacturability8

85Ag-15CdO-H02's machinability is fair (50/100, better than 74% of precious metal grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability fair (50/100).

MachinabilityFair50/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)30%
WeldabilityFair35/100
Formability (cold)Fair50/100
CastabilityPoor25/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityExcellent85/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — silver-base material is not anodizable; surfaces are used bare or given a thin Ag/Au flash on carriers

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 85Ag-15CdO-H02

Is 85Ag-15CdO easy to machine?

Turns and stamps well with sharp, high-rake carbide tooling and generous coolant; the Ag matrix is gummy while CdO is abrasive, and all swarf must be captured as cadmium-bearing waste.

Can 85Ag-15CdO be welded?

Not fusion welded — contacts are resistance-welded, brazed with Ag-Cu-P/Ag-Cu-Zn filler or supplied with an oxide-free silver backing layer for joining to Cu or brass carriers.

Can 85Ag-15CdO be formed, bent or molded?

Supplied as internally oxidized or P/M-extruded strip/wire; anneal to soft temper for cold heading of rivets and drawing of caps, and re-anneal between heavy reductions.

What surface finishes work on 85Ag-15CdO?

Used bare — the arc keeps the surface clean; ultrasonic degrease only, avoid sulphur-bearing packaging and lubricants, and follow cadmium hygiene rules for dust and fumes.

85Ag-15CdO chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
CdOdispersed cadmium oxide phase (≈13.1 wt % Cd as metal equivalent)14 – 1615
Other, totalresidual impurities; minor additives (e.g. Ni, Co, Sn) sometimes used as oxide-refining agents≤ 0.15—
Agsilver matrix, 99.9 % purity feedstockbalance—

85Ag-15CdO-H02 — frequently asked

What is 85Ag-15CdO-H02 used for?

85Ag-15CdO-H02 is typically used for relays, switches, thermostats and small contactors. In short: workhorse Ag-CdO grade; balanced arc resistance and cost; formable in soft temper.

What is the yield strength of 85Ag-15CdO-H02?

85Ag-15CdO-H02 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) — stronger than 81% of precious metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.

Is 85Ag-15CdO-H02 easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, better than 74% of precious metal grades). Turns and stamps well with sharp, high-rake carbide tooling and generous coolant; the Ag matrix is gummy while CdO is abrasive, and all swarf must be captured as cadmium-bearing waste.

Can 85Ag-15CdO-H02 be welded?

With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). Not fusion welded — contacts are resistance-welded, brazed with Ag-Cu-P/Ag-Cu-Zn filler or supplied with an oxide-free silver backing layer for joining to Cu or brass carriers.

What surface finishes work on 85Ag-15CdO-H02?

Used bare — the arc keeps the surface clean; ultrasonic degrease only, avoid sulphur-bearing packaging and lubricants, and follow cadmium hygiene rules for dust and fumes.

Can 85Ag-15CdO-H02 be formed, bent or molded?

Supplied as internally oxidized or P/M-extruded strip/wire; anneal to soft temper for cold heading of rivets and drawing of caps, and re-anneal between heavy reductions.

What is the maximum service temperature of 85Ag-15CdO-H02?

85Ag-15CdO-H02 is rated for continuous use to about 190°C (374 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between 85Ag-15CdO-O and 85Ag-15CdO-H04?

O is the default condition — default condition for cold-heading rivets, deep-drawing contact caps and welding to carriers; lowest hardness, highest conductivity. H04: pick for maximum hardness, mechanical wear resistance and spring-back in flat contact strip that will not be formed after supply. Yield strength is 120 MPa in O versus 300 MPa in H04.

Sources

  1. ASTM B268 / B693-family specifications for silver-base electrical contact materials — ASTM International (2020)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (electrical contact materials) — ASM International (1990)
  3. Silver-metal oxide contact material data (AgCdO grades) — AMI Doduco / Umicore Contact Materials (2022)
  4. GB/T 5586 (Ag-CdO electrical contact materials) (2018)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.