Operating temperature of spring contact probes
Lubrication and spring material determine the operating temperature of a probe. Most probes are lubricated to increase mechanical lifetime and have a maximum operating temperature of +120°C. Probes operatig outside of this range should be non-lubricated.
Spring material is the other factor affecting the maximum operating temperature of a probe. Various materials lose their spring properties (anneal) at different temperatures.
The chart below lists the operating temperatures for the various spring materials lubricated and non-lubricated:
Lubricated
| Music Wire | BeCu | Stainless steel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. | -55°C | -55°C | -55°C |
| Max. | +120°C | +120°C | 120°C |
Non-Lubricated (1hr. exposure)
| Music Wire | BeCu | Stainless steel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. | -55°C | -55°C | -55°C |
| Max | +120°C | +205°C | +260°C |
Non-Lubricated (24hr. exposure)
| Music Wire | BeCu | Stainless steel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. | -55°C | -55°C | -55°C |
| Max | +85°C | +120°C | +180°C |
NOTE:
Spring materials used in each probe are listed on the corresponding data sheet.