CuW Contact Element

CuW contact element is a small braze-on CuW insert used where a contact assembly needs an arc-resistant tip but doesn't justify a full CuW contact body. Typical examples: a small CuW button brazed onto a copper bus terminal, an arc-resistant insert in an isolator contact tip, or a low-cost replacement element in cost-sensitive switchgear builds.

Compared to the CuW Contact Plate, the element is smaller and usually simpler, a button, slug, or short cylinder rather than a shaped plate. Grades available in CuW70 / 75 / 80.

Specifications

Property	Value
Material Grade	CuW70 / CuW75 / CuW80
Tungsten Content	70, 75, or 80 wt%
Form	Small button, slug, or insert (machined to drawing)
Dimensions Range	Per drawing
Tolerance	Per drawing
Surface Treatment	As machined; bright finish optional on contact face
Electrical Conductivity	32–45% IACS depending on grade (per ASTM B702 typical)
Density	13.0–15.0 g/cm³ depending on grade
Working Voltage	Common MV ratings: 12 / 24 / 40.5 kV
Working Current	Application-specific; confirmed per design
Features	Holes, locating grooves, or steps per drawing

Exact certified properties for your lot are available with material documentation on request.

Applications

• Braze-on arc-resistant inserts in copper bus terminals and isolator contact tips
• Low-cost replacement of full CuW contacts in cost-sensitive MV switchgear
• Sub-component for OEMs assembling their own contact builds
• Small-volume custom CuW geometries below the threshold of plate or rod stock

Technical Notes

The element form is the right choice when the contact assembly only needs CuW where the arc strikes, usually a small area at the contact face. Brazing a CuW button to a copper carrier lets the carrier handle most of the current path while the CuW handles the arc.

For brazing, the element should fit the carrier pocket with a small clearance for filler flow. We can supply elements net-shape (final dimensions after braze) or with allowance (oversize for post-braze grinding); specify in your order.

Locating features matter at small sizes. A simple round button without locating features is hard to position consistently in production; a button with a small center hole or peripheral groove brazes more repeatably. If your assembly volume is high, design in a locating feature.

Sourcing & OEM

Custom CuW elements from drawing are routine. MOQ, lead time, and feature options vary by specification; contact us with your drawing for a project-specific quote.