Fig. 5.13: Softening of CuSn8 after 3 hrs annealing after 50% cold working

Despite its lower electrical conductivity, the good spring properties, high corrosion resistance, and the good workability make copper-nickel-zinc alloys a frequently used spring contact carrier in switches and relays. As illustrated in the phase diagram the most commonly used materials are in the " -range which means that they are single-phase alloys ''(Fig. 5.14)''. The formability and strength properties of german silver are comparable to those of the copper-tin alloys. The work hardening and softening behavior is illustrated on the example of CuNi12Zn24 in Figures 5.15 and 5.16.

Fig. 5.16: Softening of CuNi12Zn24 after 3 hrs annealing after 50% cold working

=====5.1.4.4 Copper-Silver-(Cadmium) Alloys (Silver Bronze)=====