Originally Posted by
NobleMetalWorks
If you decide to de-solder the contacts off, be aware that the larger silver contacts probably contain cadmium, and if heated will give off a gas as the cadmium burns, that is extremely unhealthy to breath. You might want to do it in a well ventilated area just to be safe.
Scott
Scott you have made this statement a few time as of late and its just not true. AgCdO/AgCd contacts are mainly used in
small contacts. Like relays where the contact needs to be harder and last longer. Ice cube relays,router switch relays, dryer timers, things like that usually they are riveted in. Large contacts are going to be Ag, AGNi, AgCu. Also the waffle back ones will be Ag-Wc sinister pads. A way to test between the two types of larger contacts is that the AG-Wc will break when you try to bend them, and the other higher Ag content ones will bend.
It is a good idea never to melt them for the rare possibility that you get a Cd or CdO and tin contact mixed into the batch . This is why most refinery's wont touch them the EPA hoops make it unprofitable.
If you have info on the bigger ones let me know I have spent the better part of the hour tying to prove you right. I have never seen any over the size of a pencil eraser in real life. If I'm wrong I will amend my post to reflect it.
Eric
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