Contact materials for reed switches

Novel contact materials for reed switches may be obtained by using alloys with precious materials. Efforts to create such alloys were successful. The initial tests enhanced the theory that alloys improve the life endurance of reed contacts, compared to single, pure precious materials. A rhodium and ruthenium alloy with an initial metal mixture of approximately 80% ruthenium and 20% rhodium was tested. Additional tests with heavy metal plating were performed. In some applications, it is necessary to create a reed switch with a very small relation between pull-in and release. This was also successful, and the life-tests showed good results compared to normal plating. Life test results are given