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Precious Metal AgCdO12 PM-PS

Grade

EN Ag-CdO 88/12

PM-PS = pM press-sinter-repress tips / pellets

Net-shape pressed contact buttons and pellets for contactors; slightly lower density and conductivity than wrought routes.

High cost $$$$

Values for the PM-PS condition

Other AgCdO12 tempers and conditions

AgCdO12 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at AgCdO12.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
IO-Annealed
Pick for deep-drawn or heavily riveted contacts where maximum ductility and lowest resistivity are needed.1302302262 HB82 % IACS
PM-PSThis page
PM press-sinter-repress tips / pellets
Net-shape pressed contact buttons and pellets for contactors; slightly lower density and conductivity than wrought routes.150215964 HB74 % IACS
PM-Extruded
Choose for thick sections and large contacts where internal oxidation cannot reach the core; CdO distribution is uniform through thickness.1702451568 HB76 % IACS
IODefault
Internally oxidized strip/tape
Standard internally oxidized 88Ag-12CdO strip for stamped contacts and welded tips — best conductivity/anti-weld balance.2002701280 HB80 % IACS
IO-Hard
Hard temper strip and rivet wire where contact wear resistance and stiffness matter more than ductility.280330499 HB78 % IACS

What is AgCdO12 PM-PS?

AgCdO12 PM-PS is AgCdO12 in the PM-PS grade — net-shape pressed contact buttons and pellets for contactors; slightly lower density and conductivity than wrought routes. AgCdO12 PM-PS has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) — weaker than 68% of precious metal grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 72 GPa (10.4 Msi). AgCdO12 PM-PS has a density of 10.05 g/cm³ (0.363 lb/in³), lighter than 64% of precious metal grades. It melts at 960°C (1,760 °F). IO is the default condition FabDigit quotes; PM-PS is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High electrical conductivity — 74 % IACS, better than 77% of precious metal grades
  • Conducts heat well — 305 W/m·K (176.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 75% of precious metal grades

Limitations

  • Low stiffness — 72 GPa (10.4 Msi), worse than 99% of precious metal grades
  • Limited formability — 30/100, worse than 94% of precious metal grades
  • Limited ductility — 9%, worse than 91% of precious metal grades
  • Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 78% of precious metal grades
  • Hard to polish — 70/100, worse than 76% of precious metal grades

AgCdO12 PM-PS properties

Typical room-temperature values for AgCdO12 PM-PS; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are AgCdO12 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among precious metal grades.

Physical3

AgCdO12 PM-PS has a density of 10.05 g/cm³ (0.363 lb/in³), lighter than 64% of precious metal grades. It melts at 960°C (1,760 °F).

Density10.05 g/cm³0.36 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)960°C1,760 °F
Liquidus Temperature962°C1,764 °F

Mechanical14

AgCdO12 PM-PS has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) — weaker than 68% of precious metal grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 72 GPa (10.4 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus72 GPa10.4 Msi
Shear Modulus30 GPa4.4 Msi
Bulk Modulus100 GPa14.5 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.37
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)215 MPa31.2 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)150 MPa21.8 ksi
Elongation at Break9%
Reduction in Area15%
Compressive Strength330 MPa47.9 ksi
Shear Strength145 MPa21 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)75 MPa10.9 ksi
Hardness, Brinell64 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B28 HRB
Hardness, Vickers68 HV

Thermal6

AgCdO12 PM-PS is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 305 W/m·K (176.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 75% of precious metal grades. Thermal expansion is 19 µm/m·K (10.6 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity305 W/m·K176 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity240 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)19 µm/m·K10.6 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion92 J/g39.6 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)250°C482 °F
Min Service Temperature-100°C-148 °F

Electrical3

AgCdO12 PM-PS conducts electricity at 74 % IACS, better than 77% of precious metal grades.

Electrical Conductivity74 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.33×10⁻⁸ Ω·m0.917 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (76/100), worse than 59% of precious metal grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)0.1 V
Corrosion ResistanceVery good76/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryDoes not oxidize in air and resists most industrial atmospheres and organics; darkens (Ag₂S) in H₂S/SO₂ environments, attacked by nitric acid, hot concentrated sulfuric acid, cyanides and ammonia/halogen mixtures; CdO phase is soluble in dilute acids and is toxic — grinding dust and arc fumes must be captured.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of AgCdO12 PM-PS takes about 1,300 MJ of energy and emits 110 kg of CO₂ — less than 61% of precious metal grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)1,300 MJ/kg558,900 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)110 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water2,000 L/kg240 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content45%

Manufacturability8

AgCdO12 PM-PS's machinability is fair (48/100, better than 71% of precious metal grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability poor (30/100).

MachinabilityFair48/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)42%
WeldabilityPoor25/100
Formability (cold)Poor30/100
CastabilityGood60/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityVery good75/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — precious-metal contact composite; surfaces are used bare or lightly Ag-plated, not anodized

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

Working with AgCdO12 PM-PS

Is AgCdO12 easy to machine?

Machines like soft silver — sharp, high-rake, polished carbide tools, generous cutting fluid to prevent smearing; capture all dust because CdO is toxic.

Can AgCdO12 be welded?

Not fusion-welded; joined by resistance welding or Ag-brazing onto a silver or copper backing layer, never braze directly on the oxide-rich contact face.

Can AgCdO12 be formed, bent or molded?

IO strip stamps, coins and rivets readily in the soft/semi-hard temper; interanneal at 550–650 °C in air or inert gas if severe drawing is required.

What surface finishes work on AgCdO12?

Contact faces are used as-rolled or lightly skin-passed; carriers may be Ag- or Sn-plated. Do not grind dry — cadmium fume/dust extraction and RoHS exemption documentation are mandatory.

AgCdO12 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 (≈10.5 wt% Cd as metal) formed by internal oxidation or added as powder11 – 1312
Other (total impurities)Cu, Fe, Pb, Bi etc.; additive dopants (Ni, Ag₂O formers) sometimes ≤0.5 % in proprietary grades≤ 0.15—
Agmatrix, fine silver≥ 87 (balance)—

AgCdO12 PM-PS — frequently asked

What is AgCdO12 PM-PS used for?

AgCdO12 PM-PS is typically used for contactor contacts, relay contacts, circuit breaker contacts and switchgear contacts. In short: highest-conductivity oxide contact; proven anti-weld performance; cadmium-restricted legacy grade.

What is the yield strength of AgCdO12 PM-PS?

AgCdO12 PM-PS has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) — weaker than 68% of precious metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is AgCdO12 PM-PS easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (48/100, better than 71% of precious metal grades). Machines like soft silver — sharp, high-rake, polished carbide tools, generous cutting fluid to prevent smearing; capture all dust because CdO is toxic.

Can AgCdO12 PM-PS be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Not fusion-welded; joined by resistance welding or Ag-brazing onto a silver or copper backing layer, never braze directly on the oxide-rich contact face.

What surface finishes work on AgCdO12 PM-PS?

Contact faces are used as-rolled or lightly skin-passed; carriers may be Ag- or Sn-plated. Do not grind dry — cadmium fume/dust extraction and RoHS exemption documentation are mandatory.

Can AgCdO12 PM-PS be formed, bent or molded?

IO strip stamps, coins and rivets readily in the soft/semi-hard temper; interanneal at 550–650 °C in air or inert gas if severe drawing is required.

What is the maximum service temperature of AgCdO12 PM-PS?

AgCdO12 PM-PS is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between AgCdO12-IO and AgCdO12 IO-H?

IO is the default condition — standard internally oxidized 88Ag-12CdO strip for stamped contacts and welded tips — best conductivity/anti-weld balance. IO-H: hard temper strip and rivet wire where contact wear resistance and stiffness matter more than ductility. Yield strength is 200 MPa in IO versus 280 MPa in IO-H.

Sources

  1. ASTM B692 — Standard Specification for Silver-Cadmium Oxide Electrical Contact Material — ASTM International (2018)
  2. Data Book of Electrical Contacts — DODUCO / AMI Doduco (2012)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Electrical Contact Materials) — ASM International (1990)
  4. Silver metal oxide contact materials (AgCdO, AgSnO₂) technical data — Metalor Technologies / AMI Doduco (2022)

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.