Precious Metal AgNi10-H2
Supply condition
EN Ag-Ni 90/10
H2 = half hard
Compromise condition for springy contact blades and rivet shanks that must resist deformation but still be formed.
Values for the H2 condition
Other AgNi10 tempers and conditions
AgNi10 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at AgNi10.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sintered | Pressed-and-sintered tips/blocks used where a slightly porous, machined-to-shape contact is acceptable and cost matters. | 70 | 180 | 8 | 52 HB | 85 % IACS |
SDefault Sintered/extruded, annealed | Default strip, wire and rivet condition — maximum ductility for stamping, coining and riveting of contacts. | 90 | 230 | 25 | 62 HV | 88 % IACS |
H2This page Half hard | Compromise condition for springy contact blades and rivet shanks that must resist deformation but still be formed. | 190 | 270 | 10 | 76 HB | 87 % IACS |
Hardened | Choose when maximum hardness and wear/erosion resistance of the finished contact face is needed and little forming follows. | 255 | 315 | 4 | 90 HB | 86 % IACS |
What is AgNi10-H2?
AgNi10-H2 is AgNi10 supplied in the H2 condition — compromise condition for springy contact blades and rivet shanks that must resist deformation but still be formed. AgNi10-H2 has a yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) — weaker than 56% of precious metal grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 90 GPa (13.1 Msi). AgNi10-H2 has a density of 10.25 g/cm³ (0.37 lb/in³), lighter than 55% of precious metal grades. It melts at 960°C (1,760 °F). S is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H2 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 65/100, better than 100% of precious metal grades
- High electrical conductivity — 87 % IACS, better than 93% of precious metal grades
- Conducts heat well — 340 W/m·K (196.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 86% of precious metal grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 150°C (302 °F), worse than 100% of precious metal grades
- Limited ductility — 10%, worse than 89% of precious metal grades
- Limited formability — 65/100, worse than 86% of precious metal grades
- Hard to polish — 70/100, worse than 76% of precious metal grades
AgNi10-H2 properties
Typical room-temperature values for AgNi10-H2; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are AgNi10 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among precious metal grades.
Physical3
AgNi10-H2 has a density of 10.25 g/cm³ (0.37 lb/in³), lighter than 55% of precious metal grades. It melts at 960°C (1,760 °F).
Mechanical10
AgNi10-H2 has a yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) — weaker than 56% of precious metal grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 90 GPa (13.1 Msi).
Thermal6
AgNi10-H2 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 340 W/m·K (196.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 86% of precious metal grades. Thermal expansion is 18.5 µm/m·K (10.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
AgNi10-H2 conducts electricity at 87 % IACS, better than 93% of precious metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (85/100), better than 61% of precious metal grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AgNi10-H2 takes about 1,380 MJ of energy and emits 100 kg of CO₂ — less than 58% of precious metal grades. Typical recycled content is 40%.
Manufacturability6
AgNi10-H2's machinability is good (65/100, better than 100% of precious metal grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability good (65/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with AgNi10-H2
Is AgNi10 easy to machine?
Turns and parts readily with sharp positive-rake carbide/HSS tools and generous lubrication; the soft Ag matrix is gummy, so use high speed, light feed and avoid built-up edge, and collect all swarf for silver reclaim.
Can AgNi10 be welded?
Not fusion-welded as a structural material; contacts are attached by resistance (projection) welding, laser welding or Ag-brazing to Cu/brass/steel carriers — keep heat input short to avoid coarsening the Ni dispersion.
Can AgNi10 be formed, bent or molded?
Soft strip and wire stamp, coin, head and rivet excellently; hard tempers need intermediate annealing at 500–650 °C in a protective or reducing atmosphere.
What surface finishes work on AgNi10?
Usually supplied bright as-drawn or lightly polished; no anodizing (n/a for silver alloys). Anti-tarnish passivation or thin gold/palladium flash is used for low-level signal duty; solderable with standard Ag-bearing solders (use silver-loaded alloys to avoid leaching).
AgNi10 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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Nifine dispersed metallic Ni phase, insoluble in Ag | 9 – 11 | 10 |
| Other (total impurities)Cu, Fe, Pb, Bi etc.; Cd-free by definition | ≤ 0.15 | 0.05 |
| Agbalance, min 89.5 % typical acceptance | balance | — |
AgNi10-H2 — frequently asked
What is AgNi10-H2 used for?
AgNi10-H2 is typically used for relay contacts, contactor contacts, household switchgear contacts and automotive relay contacts. In short: cadmium-free AgCdO replacement; 88 % IACS contact alloy; highly formable sintered silver.
What is the yield strength of AgNi10-H2?
AgNi10-H2 has a typical yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) — weaker than 56% of precious metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is AgNi10-H2 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (65/100, better than 100% of precious metal grades). Turns and parts readily with sharp positive-rake carbide/HSS tools and generous lubrication; the soft Ag matrix is gummy, so use high speed, light feed and avoid built-up edge, and collect all swarf for silver reclaim.
Can AgNi10-H2 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Not fusion-welded as a structural material; contacts are attached by resistance (projection) welding, laser welding or Ag-brazing to Cu/brass/steel carriers — keep heat input short to avoid coarsening the Ni dispersion.
What surface finishes work on AgNi10-H2?
Usually supplied bright as-drawn or lightly polished; no anodizing (n/a for silver alloys). Anti-tarnish passivation or thin gold/palladium flash is used for low-level signal duty; solderable with standard Ag-bearing solders (use silver-loaded alloys to avoid leaching).
Can AgNi10-H2 be formed, bent or molded?
Soft strip and wire stamp, coin, head and rivet excellently; hard tempers need intermediate annealing at 500–650 °C in a protective or reducing atmosphere.
What is the maximum service temperature of AgNi10-H2?
AgNi10-H2 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between AgNi10-S and AgNi10-H?
S is the default condition — default strip, wire and rivet condition — maximum ductility for stamping, coining and riveting of contacts. H: choose when maximum hardness and wear/erosion resistance of the finished contact face is needed and little forming follows. Yield strength is 90 MPa in S versus 255 MPa in H.
Sources
- ASTM B693 – Standard Specification for Silver-Nickel Electrical Contact Materials — ASTM International (2018)
- Data Book of Electrical Contacts (AgNi contact materials section) — Doduco (2012)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (electrical contact materials) — ASM International (1990)
- Silver-nickel contact strip, wire and bimetal rivet datasheets — AMI Doduco / Umicore / Metalor (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.