AMI DODUCO Introduces Cadmium-free Contact Materials for House-wiring Switches
PFORZHEIM, Germany--Nov. 1, 2005--AMI DODUCO, a Technitrol Company, presented favorable test results on several cadmium-free contact material alternatives for house-wiring switches at the 10th International Conference on Switching Arc Phenomena in Lodz, Poland.Traditionally, house-wiring switches have had to withstand only small loads required by simple tungsten light bulbs. Due to today's high-performance halogen and fluorescent lamps with start-up peaks of over 200 amps, loads have become much more demanding, calling for cadmium-bearing materials such as silver cadmium oxide. The continued use of silver cadmium oxide materials is a concern because it is unclear when the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive will prohibit the use of cadmium in house-wiring switches, as is already the case with industrial switches.
Tests confirmed that AMI DODUCO's silver zinc oxide 92/8 with the additive silver tungstate (Ag2WO4) demonstrates the service longevity, weld resistance and minimal heat attenuation required for high-load household switches. In addition, high workability makes this a very practical material.
"We carried out comprehensive material tests with silver nickel, silver tin oxide and silver zinc oxide on a specially developed, practice-oriented test rig to develop the required test data," AMI DODUCO's Oliver Lutz told conferees. "As a result, our patented silver zinc oxide material with silver tungstate was approved for general use."
Headquartered in Export, Pennsylvania, AMI DODUCO is a global leader in electrical contact technology and fabrication. The company supplies contacts and assemblies, contact materials, thermostatic bimetal and clad metal products, 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 (C) 2005 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 July 1, 2005 in Item 2 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)."