Based on arc and electrical contact theory, the expemiments of erosion characteristics of silver-based contact materials commonly used in switching apparatus have been performed, some useful conclusions have been put forward according to the experimental results and microanalysis by SEM.

The paper explains the experiment of smelting silver based electric contact materials and silver based solder by medium-frequency induction furnace with graphite and clay crucible.

In view of the importance of silver-based electrical contact material in electrical power system and electrical appliance industry,the progress in the research and application of the above material was summarized and discussed based on the literatures and research experience.

Applications of conventional powder metallurgy technology and the new techniques on powder fabrication,compaction and sintering to manufacture silver-based contact materials are introduced.