Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal composite strip for the production of electrical contact components. A film made of tin or a tin alloy is first applied onto an initial material made of an electrically conductive base material. A film of silver is then deposited thereonto. Copper or a copper alloy is preferably used as the base material. The tin film can be applied in the molten state, and the silver film by electroplating. Furthermore, both the tin film and the silver film can be deposited by electroplating. A further alternative provides for manufacturing the tin film in the molten state and the silver film by cathodic sputtering. The diffusion operations which occur in the coating result in a homogeneous film of a tin-silver alloy. This formation can be assisted by way of a heat treatment of the composite strip.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal composite strip for the production of electrical contact components. A film made of tin or a tin alloy is first applied onto an initial material made of an electrically conductive base material. A film of silver is then deposited thereonto. Copper or a copper alloy is preferably used as the base material. The tin film can be applied in the molten state, and the silver film by electroplating. Furthermore, both the tin film and the silver film can be deposited by electroplating. A further alternative provides for manufacturing the tin film in the molten state and the silver film by cathodic sputtering. The diffusion operations which occur in the coating result in a homogeneous film of a tin-silver alloy. This formation can be assisted by way of a heat treatment of the composite strip.