Gold Balls for Precision Contacts, Valves and Instruments
REDHILL supplies gold balls for electrical contacts, instruments and selected fluid control systems. Gold combines good conductivity with strong resistance to oxidation. As a result, it suits contact surfaces where corrosion can disrupt signal quality.
Key Technical Specifications
The values below give a guide for high-purity gold. However, purity and material condition affect the final properties.
- Gold Content: Au ≥99.9% for commercially pure grades.
- Crystal Structure: Face-centered cubic (FCC).
- Hardness: Typically around 20–40 HV in the soft or annealed condition; cold work increases hardness.
- Density: Approximately 19.3 g/cm³.
- Electrical Resistivity: Approximately 2.2 µΩ·cm at 20°C.
- Melting Point: Approximately 1,064°C.
- Magnetic Properties: Pure gold is non-magnetic.
Benefits and Material Selection
Pure gold resists tarnishing in normal atmospheric conditions. In addition, it conducts electricity well and forms readily under load.
However, its softness can limit wear life and shape retention. Therefore, match contact pressure and motion to the required hardness and surface finish.
Gold alloys can offer greater hardness and wear resistance. However, alloying also changes conductivity and chemical behavior. Therefore, specify the full alloy composition when purity and contact performance matter.
Gold also has limits in chemical service. For example, aqua regia and certain media containing chlorine or bromine attack gold. Therefore, check the actual fluid, concentration and temperature.
Applications of Gold Balls
- Electrical Contacts: Contact elements for selected switches, relays and signal interfaces.
- Precision Valves and Dosing: Sealing elements for compatible fluids and suitable contact loads.
- Instruments and Sensors: Contact components where corrosion resistance matters.
- Decorative Mechanisms: Visible parts with specified gold content and surface finish.
Available Sizes and Precision Requirements
- Precision Requirements: Diameter tolerance, roundness and surface finish to an agreed specification.
- Sizes: Standard imperial and metric diameters; custom sizes on request.
Finally, send us your diameter, purity or alloy, tolerance and quantity. Also, include the contact load, electrical requirements and any process fluids so we can confirm suitable options.