Silver contact rivets manufacturer
Silver Contact Rivets for Relays, Switches and Low-Voltage Devices
Custom silver contact rivets with AgNi, AgSnO2, AgCdO and related silver alloy contact faces on copper or copper-alloy rivet bases for OEM electrical switching applications.
What Are Silver Contact Rivets?
Silver contact rivets are precision electrical contacts used to make and break current inside relays, micro switches, push button switches, rocker switches, contactors and other low-voltage devices. A typical design combines a silver alloy contact face with a copper or copper-alloy rivet base. The silver alloy provides the working contact surface, while the copper base supports conductivity, riveting strength and cost control.
Silver Contact Rivet Structure
The structure depends on the current, load type, switching frequency and device assembly method. Most OEM designs start from the same basic principle: put the silver alloy where switching happens and use copper or copper alloy for the support body.
Silver Alloy Contact Face
The contact face may use AgNi, AgSnO2, AgCdO, AgZnO, AgW or other silver-based materials depending on arc, welding and wear requirements.
Copper Rivet Base
The copper or copper-alloy base provides electrical conductivity and a rivetable structure for fixing the contact to terminals or spring blades.
Head, Shank and Shoulder
Flat head, mushroom head, shoulder and shank dimensions are customized for the terminal thickness and the customer's assembly process.
Material Options for Silver Contact Rivets
The right material is selected according to load type, current level, arc condition, switching frequency, expected life and regulatory requirements.
| Material | Typical use direction | Common buyer reason | Related page |
|---|---|---|---|
| AgNi | Relays, switches and general low-voltage devices | Stable conductivity and balanced cost-performance | AgNi Contacts |
| AgSnO2 | Inductive loads, higher arc or anti-welding requirements | Cadmium-free silver tin oxide option for many switching designs | AgSnO2 Contacts |
| AgCdO | Legacy or specified switching applications | Used where the customer drawing or existing design requires it | AgCdO Contacts |
| AgZnO | Low-voltage switching and specific anti-welding designs | Alternative silver oxide contact material for selected applications | Contact Materials |
| AgW / AgWC | Higher erosion resistance applications | Used when arc erosion and mechanical wear are key concerns | Contact Materials |
Common Shapes and Custom Designs
Silver contact rivets are usually produced to customer drawings. The same material can be made into different head and shank geometries for different terminals, spring blades and contact carriers.
Flat head rivets
Used where a low-profile contact face and controlled contact height are required.
Mushroom head rivets
Used where a slightly raised contact head helps the switching geometry.
Bimetal rivets
Silver alloy layer bonded to a copper or copper-alloy base.
Tri-metal rivets
Silver alloy on both contact sides with a copper middle structure.
Applications
Silver contact rivets are selected for devices where reliable current making, carrying and breaking are required in a compact structure.
Relays
Signal, power, automotive, appliance and industrial relay contact systems.
Micro Switches
Snap-action switches using silver contact points on spring blades and fixed terminals.
Push Buttons
Manual control switches requiring stable contact performance and repeatable assembly.
Rocker Switches
Household, appliance and equipment rocker switch contact components.
Contactors
Industrial switching devices where arc resistance and material selection are critical.
Circuit Breakers
Protection devices requiring suitable contact materials and secure mechanical joining.
Thermostats
Temperature control devices using repeatable electrical contact operation.
Automotive Switches
Vehicle electrical switch and relay applications with compact contact assemblies.
Manufacturing Process
The final process depends on the drawing, material pair and volume. Typical production combines material preparation, cold heading, bonding or riveting, forming and inspection.
Material review
Confirm silver alloy, copper base, drawing dimensions, tolerance and application conditions.
Cold heading
Form the rivet geometry and contact head structure according to the approved drawing.
Riveting or bonding
Join the silver contact face and copper base using the appropriate manufacturing route.
Inspection
Check appearance, dimensions, bonding condition, surface quality and packing before shipment.
Specification Checklist for RFQ
| Information | Examples | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing or sample | 2D drawing, 3D file, sample photo, old part number | Confirms geometry and avoids wrong quotation assumptions. |
| Material | AgNi, AgSnO2, AgCdO, AgZnO, AgW or unknown | Allows cost and performance review. |
| Dimensions | Head diameter, head thickness, shank diameter, shank length, shoulder size | Determines tooling and process route. |
| Application | Relay, micro switch, push button, rocker switch, contactor, breaker | Helps match material to real switching conditions. |
| Quantity | Trial quantity and annual demand | Affects sample plan, tooling decision and unit cost. |
Related Silver Contact Pages
FAQ
What is the difference between a silver contact rivet and a normal rivet?
A normal rivet is mainly a mechanical fastener. A silver contact rivet is an electrical switching component with a silver alloy working face and a conductive base designed for contact resistance, arc behavior and device assembly.
Which material should I choose: AgNi, AgSnO2 or AgCdO?
The choice depends on the electrical load, switching frequency, arc condition, regulatory requirement and existing device design. AgNi is common for balanced conductivity and cost. AgSnO2 is widely used when anti-welding and cadmium-free material are important. AgCdO may be used when an existing drawing or legacy design specifies it.
Can silver contact rivets be customized from a drawing?
Yes. Head diameter, head thickness, shank diameter, shank length, shoulder shape, material and packing can be reviewed according to the customer's drawing, sample and application.
What applications use silver contact rivets?
Common applications include relays, micro switches, push button switches, rocker switches, contactors, circuit breakers, thermostats, appliance controls and automotive electrical switches.
What should I send for a quotation?
Please send a drawing or sample photo, target material, main dimensions, application, trial quantity and annual quantity. If the material is not confirmed, share the load condition and device type for review.
Need Custom Silver Contact Rivets?
Send your drawing, sample photo or application details. Contactrivets can review the contact structure, material choice and manufacturing route for your OEM switching device.