Lamifil ensures the high quality of our alloy catenary wires by starting with raw materials and controlling the manufacturing process all the way to completed products, whilst testing at every stage. Our copper alloys are thus the result of our extensive metallurgical expertise and experience, and allow our customers to select them with certainty and confidence.
Copper Magnesium has the highest tensile strength when compared to other alloys, making it the perfect alloy for contact wire in high speed lines with speeds well above 300 km/h. Together with the CuCd, it is the preferred alloy for the messenger cables, having the appropriate strength to carry the entire catenary system.
The development of a high performance Copper-Tin alloy was an imperative, displaying the right balance of electrical and mechanical properties. CuSn has applications for use in the contact wires for both high-speed and conventional railway lines.
Copper-Silver offers electrical and mechanical characteristics similar to those of ETP copper, but has better thermal stability. This allows higher overcurrent on DC lines, without increasing the wear on the contact wire. Ideal for contact wires in high frequency, conventional railway lines.
Copper ETP is still the most universal metal, but is increasingly being replaced by alloys with better characteristics. Non-alloyed Cu offers the best possible conductivity, and is typically used in contact wires for tramways and conventional railway lines, but is most appropriate for auxiliary conductors and feeder cables.