Copper Alloy Automotive Connector ‌Terminal

Copper alloys are the most prevalent materials for automotive connector terminals due to their excellent electrical conductivity, which is second only to silver. High-performance copper alloys possess a unique combination of properties, including elevated electrical conductivity, strong mechanical characteristics, and high thermal relaxation resistance. The thermal relaxation resistance property refers to the material's ability to maintain the spring forces within a connector and, over time, at elevated temperatures. The relaxation response is due to a metallurgical response termed precipitation hardening, which is obtained by the addition of certain elements, e.g., Ni + Si, Cr + Si, and Si + Ti.

Due to these properties, these alloys have found a multitude of applications, including spring connectors, press-fit connectors, contact springs in terminal blocks, relays, switches, miniaturized connectors (e.g., board-to-board connectors), and sockets for microprocessors.