These wires are crimped to aid compression and are chemically bonded to ensure their retention. They will also penetrate most light oxide layers, ensuring a low contact resistance path when suitably compressed.
For applications with severe joint unevenness, low closure forces and where greater compressibility is required, Kemtron has developed new grades 470/480 of material to fulfil a need that meets the performance of its oriented wire in silicone sponge but with improved environmental sealing qualities. The company has achieved this by using a very soft solid silicone with a reduced wire count of 100 wires per cm2 – the same as its silicone sponge.