Abstract
The electrode materials for welding machine in automobile industry such as Cu-Cr, Cu-Zr and Cu-$Al_2O_3$ require the high electrical conductivity and the proper hardness. Therefore the effects of solution heat treatment and aging treatment on the electrical conductivity and hardness of Cu-0.8wt%Cr and Cu-1.2wt%Cr alloys have been investigated. Cu-0.8wt%Cr alloy showed the higher electrical conductivity and hardness than Cu-1.2wt%Cr alloy and both alloys showed the better electrical conductivity at $930^{\circ}C$ among 930, 980 and $1030^{\circ}C$ solution heat treatment temperatures. The electrical conductivity and hardness in both alloys were not affected by aging treatment but remarkably affected by solution heat treatment temperature. The final drawing process reduced electrical conductivity and increased hardness more in Cu-1.2wt%Cr alloy.