Export, PA – AMI DODUCO, a Technitrol (NYSE:TNL) Company, recently presented three papers at the 24th ICEC International Conference on Electrical Contacts in St. Malo France.
About 200 engineers and technicians took part in this international conference in order to learn about the properties of electrical contacts in current and signal distribution.
AMI DODUCO discussed improved silver/tin oxide contact materials for the ever-increasing demands placed on relays in automobiles. Oliver Lutz, Application Engineer at AMI DODUCO, presented "Improved Silver / Tin Oxide Contact Materials for Automotive Applications" prepared jointly with Tyco Electronics AMP, Berlin, Germany. In these applications, especially in the case of inductive loads, an improved silver/tin oxide 88/12 with added indium oxide (In2O3) has proven to be an effective material which can fulfill many new requirements in automobile relays.
In the area of contact materials, Chi Leung, Ph.D., presented “A Review of Ag/SnO2 Contact Materials and Arc Erosion.” This publication reviews the technical challenges, industry's efforts to meet them and the successes achieved in the development of cadmium-free contact materials. In summary, the review shows that cadmium-free contact materials are already being used successfully in many applications. Here, AMI DODUCO has taken on a key role over the last ten years through developing suitable alternatives and providing on-site technical advice for customers. This has enabled RoHS requirements to be met at a very early stage in numerous applications.
Against the background of increased precious metal prices, AMI DODUCO is investigating the possible effects of using less gold as a contact material in small signal relays for the IT industry. The studies have examined which mechanisms of silver sulfide formation exist on technical silver substrates and what effects they have on switch contacts. Wolfgang Schmitt, Application Engineer at AMI DODUCO, presented the results of these studies in a paper titled "Formation of Silver Sulfide Layers and their Influence on the Electrical Characteristics of Contacts in the Field of Information Technology". The lively discussion which followed this paper reinforces AMI DODUCO’s commitment to this research and to reducing precious metal costs.
The ICEC takes place every two years and is a leading international forum on the key topics of contact behavior and switching for switchgear manufacturers, users, suppliers and sub-suppliers.
AMI DODUCO is a global leader in electrical contact technology and fabrication. The company supplies contacts and assemblies, contact materials, electroplating and surface treatment services, and precious metal refining and recycling to more than 3,000 customers. AMI DODUCO operates from locations in North America, Europe and Asia. The company’s website is www.amidoduco.com.
Copyright © 2008 AMI DODUCO, Inc. All rights reserved. All brand names and trademarks are properties of their respective holders.
Cautionary Note: This message contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially. This release should be read in conjunction with the factors set forth in Technitrol's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2008 in Item 1a under the caption “Factors that May Affect Our Future Results (Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the 'Safe Harbor' Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995).”
