Cold rolling of multi-layer explosively cladded strips

Abstract The fabrication of multi-layer (bimetallic and trimetallic) composites for electrical and electronic switches is reported. A thin layer of solder metal (AgCuZn) is explosively cladded onto a copper plate; the resulting bimetallic strip is rolled to a thickness of 2 mm and subsequently explosively cladded onto a 2 mm thickness silver-cadmium oxide plate. Rolling is then employed to form the trimetallic composite at its final thickness. The effect of the cladding-rolling variables on the soundness and micro- and macrostructural properties of the multilayer strips is evaluated in terms of “surface integrity”; emphasis is also directed towards the influence of rolling on the integrity of the bi- and trimetallic strips. A theoretical approach for calculating force and torque during the rolling of the multi-layer strips is proposed and experimentally validated; experimental and theoretical results are in good agreement.