Abstract: The process comprising the charging into a mould (3) of at least one electrically conductive powder (4), the compression by means of a piston (5) of the contents of the mould to form a crude brush (7), the heat treatment of said crude brush (7) as well as the fixing of the ends of the electrical conductors (2), characterised in that the charging involves at least the simultaneous introduction of at least two conductive powders (4B, 4A and/or 4C . . . ) for obtaining a brush formed by integral blocks (1B, 1A and/or 1C . . . ), the junction (1AB and/or 1BC . . . ) between said blocks being orientated at least in part in the compression direction (13).

Abstract: A sliding contact member substantially free of the toxic metals lead and antimony, includes copper, carbon, and at least one added material which is selected from the group consisting of a metal and a metal alloy having a melting temperature which is substantially below that of copper. The sliding contact member contains less than 10 percent by weight of the at least one added material. The sliding contact member is electrically conductive and capable of carrying high current densities, and the at least one added material provides a good cleaning effect, promotes cooling of the sliding contact member during operation, and provides good slidability against a mating contact member. This is achieved by keeping the at least one added material separate from the copper so that alloy formation is inhibited and, preferably, prevented.