The automotive sector is one of the most technologically demanding industries. Electrification, automation and increasing safety requirements are shaping modern vehicle development. Reliable electrical connections play a key role in all these areas, making contact materials a decisive factor for functionality, safety and service life.
Role of Electrical Contacts in Vehicles
Modern vehicles incorporate a wide range of electrical and electronic systems, from power distribution and control units to comfort and safety features. Electrical contacts ensure reliable transmission and switching of power and signals.
- Relays, switches and circuit breakers
- Control units, sensors and actuators
- Connectors and terminal systems
- High-voltage and charging systems
Automotive-Specific Requirements
Contact materials used in automotive applications must withstand extreme conditions:
- High resistance to temperature and vibration
- Low and stable contact resistance
- High switching and service life
- Long-term reliability throughout vehicle lifetime
- Consistent quality in mass production
Silver-Based Contact Materials
Due to their excellent electrical properties, silver-based contact materials are widely used in automotive applications:
- AgNi for robust switching applications
- AgSnO₂ for high switching loads and cadmium-free systems
- Bimetal solutions to reduce precious metal usage
Quality, Standards and Traceability
The automotive industry requires the highest level of quality assurance and documentation:
- IATF 16949 compliance
- REACH and RoHS conformity
- Batch-based traceability
Conclusion
The automotive sector places extremely high demands on contact materials. Reliable, durable and precisely specified contact solutions are essential for safe and high-performance vehicles.