Silver’s ability to efficiently conduct electricity makes it the metal of choice for manufacturing switches and circuit boards. Each time we turn on a switch, whether to shed light on our work or to relax in front of our television, we are making industrial uses of silver.
Conventional switches, like those used to control the lights in a room, are only one of the many types of switches that employ silver in their fabrication. Toys, microwave ovens, telephones, televisions and computers use “silver membrane switches,” which allow for greater reliability and easier touch operation. Silver is also used to create media, like DVDs and CDs.
Silver-based ink is used to manufacture printed circuit boards, such as those used in mobile phones and computers. Radio frequency identification tags are produced from silver films and inks. These help thwart thieves and control inventory in selling venues worldwide. Commuter passes for toll roads also utilize this silver technology.
