How many kinds of spark plug‘s materials?

Most spark plugs feature a copper-core center electrode. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and transfers heat faster. However, copper is soft and has a low melting point so manufacturers cover it with metals like nickel alloy, platinum and iridium to reduce the wear caused by high voltage spark. To optimize performance, spark plugs may have a platinum or iridium tip.

The metal channels the high voltage from the spark plug wire through the spark plug so it can spark when it goes across the small gap between the central electrode and the ground electrode. This is the vital spark that starts the combustion process. The use of these metals also helps extend the interval between spark plug changes and decrease the misfire rate.

Copper
While almost all spark plugs feature a copper core, many people refer to the common spark plug as a “copper” spark plug. A standard spark plug typically features a nickel-alloy outer material fused to the copper-core electrodes.

Copper spark plugs run cooler and provide more power in performance driving situations. They are often installed as original equipment in turbocharged engines and engines with higher compression ratios. Copper spark plugs are also often used in older (pre-1980s) vehicles with a distributor-based ignition system.

Platinum
Platinum is much harder than nickel alloy, slowing erosion much longer than a conventional spark plug. This longevity is a key advantage of platinum spark plugs. Another advantage of platinum spark plugs is that they run a little hotter, which burns deposits off the spark plug more efficiently and helps prevent fouling. This enables the spark plug to wear better.

It come in two varieties – single and double platinum. A single platinum plug is much like a copper spark plug with a platinum disc welded to the center electrode; a double platinum spark plug has a platinum disc on both the center and side electrodes.

Iridium
Iridium is said to be six times harder and eight times stronger than platinum with a 700° higher melting point.It has extremely fine electrodes while retaining excellent wear characteristics. Thanks to this strength, iridium spark plugs can last up to 25% longer than comparable platinum spark plugs.

And iridium spark plugs feature a fine wire center electrode that is designed to conduct electrical energy better and increase firing efficiency. There is a price for this precious metal; iridium spark plugs are typically more expensive than copper and platinum spark plugs.

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