In large-scale electrical manufacturing, managing material costs without compromising performance is a constant challenge. Bimetal contact rivets provide an elegant solution to this problem, offering the high performance of precious metals where it matters most, combined with the cost-effectiveness of base metals.
What are Bimetal Contact Rivets?
Bimetal rivets are composite components consisting of two distinct layers. The “face” or head of the rivet is made from a silver-based contact material (such as pure silver or a silver alloy). The “shank” or body of the rivet is made from a high-conductivity base metal, typically copper (see Copper Development Association for properties). These two materials are permanently bonded through a high-pressure cold-welding or cladding process.
Material Use Depends on the Drawing
A bimetal construction places the specified silver-alloy layer at the working face and uses copper or another approved base material for the remaining geometry. The material difference versus a solid contact depends on head diameter, contact-layer thickness, shank dimensions, alloy density and manufacturing allowance; it should be calculated from the released drawing rather than quoted as a fixed percentage.
Current Path and Thermal Validation
The copper or copper-alloy base contributes to the current path and mechanical joint, but temperature performance cannot be inferred from the base material alone. Contact resistance, interface quality, carrier geometry, contact force, duty cycle and heat dissipation through the complete assembly should be checked in the intended device.
Ideal for Large-Scale Production
Bimetal contact rivets are used extensively in the automotive industry, household appliances, and low-voltage switches. Their combination of reliable performance and economic efficiency makes them the standard choice for high-volume electrical assembly.
For more advanced applications, read about Three-component riveted contacts.
