38999 Series III
Black Zinc Nickel

The RoHS Alternative to Cadmium
SOURIAU Black Zinc Nickel: the best in terms of price and performancefor aerospace and defense equipment.
SOURIAU Zn Ni

A unique alternative plating process to cadmium.

RoHS compliant

A unique SOURIAU plating process compliant
with RoHS regulations.

The first QPL qualified

SOURIAU Zn Ni is the first product which has been
qualified by US Defense standards organization(DLA Land and Maritime).

QPL

QualifiedHigh corrosion resistance
Available in mass production

500 hours salt spray.

Available for many SOURIAU ranges.

38999 Series III | RoHS Black Zinc Nickel
Presentation
SOURIAU RoHS Black Zinc Nickel:
The first QPL qualified cadmium free plating
Various Environmental Directives impose requirements on
the electrical and electronic equipment manufacturers: theRoHS (Restriction of use of certain Hazardous Substances)directive, part of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and ElectronicEquipment) directive.
SOURIAU has more than 15 years of experience inproducing Zn Ni with continuous improvements to comply
with MilAero harsh environment conditions. As a result,SOURIAU Zn Ni provides customers with the most costeffective solution for a cadmium alternative finish.
SOURIAU Zinc Nickel is the first QPL qualified to the mostrecent release of the MIL 38999 standard (rev. L).

SOURIAU main platings comparison
Designed for
Unpressurized
Area

Salt Spray
Withstanding

COMPLIANT

Yes

2000H

COMPLIANT

Yes

500H

Yes

500H

COMPLIANT

Yes

500H

COMPLIANT

Yes

48H

SOURIAU Plating

Robustness

WeightConductivity

RoHS

Composite
Nickel++Ω▄++++

AluminumBlack Zinc Nickel+++Ω Ω▄▄+++

Aluminum
Olive Green Cadmium+++Ω Ω▄▄+++

Stainless Steel
Passivated++++Ω Ω Ω Ω▄▄▄▄+++

Aluminum
Nickel++++Ω Ω▄▄+++-30%2

38999 Series III | RoHS Black Zinc Nickel
SOURIAU plating compatibilities with Black Zinc Nickel

AluminumBlack zinc nickel
(Z)

500

AluminumCadmium(W)250

Stainless steel
Passivated(K)150

Composite
Nickel(M)

125

Aluminum
Zinc cobalt( ZC )

48

Aluminum
Nickel(F)

H
Salt Spray

AluminumBlack zinc nickel(Z)

H
Salt Spray

AluminumBlack zinc nickel(Z)

H
Salt Spray

AluminumBlack zinc nickel(Z)

H
Salt Spray

AluminumBlack zinc nickel(Z)

H
Salt Spray

AluminumBlack zinc nickel(Z)

Notes:

500

Composite
Cadmium(J)HSalt SpraySame salt spray withstanding with reverse configuration (plug black zinc nickel + receptacle with other SOURIAU platings).
Aluminum black zinc nickel + alodine plate = 500 hours salt spray.

SOURIAU plating capabilities► Plating process masters in house:• Plating production lines dedicated to 38999 Series• Full automatic line process• Mass production capability► For many years, SOURIAU has been developing and improving environmentally friendly
processes in order to anticipate and then exceed environmental regulations.

► Production site is ISO 14001 since 2001 with Zero Cadmium emission!

338999 Series III | RoHS Black Zinc Nickel
Comparison of plating codes available on the market
OthersRequirement

Aluminum
Electroless
NickelAluminumCadmium

Composite
NickelAluminumBlackZinc Nickel

Nickel PTFE
ThickThin

Pure Electro
Deposited
Aluminum

Finish code class per MIL spec.

FW

M

Z

RoHs Compliant

Yes

No

Yes

Yes (1)

Yes

- (8)

- (9)

Galvanic compatibility withcadmium

Poor

Very goodNo

Good (2)Poor (3)Poor (3)Good

Easy to produce in mass production
and with multi sourcing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No (4) (10)No (4) (10)No (5)

ASTM B733

ASTM B766

Yes
<1 mΩ

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

48 hours

Finish according to standard

T

ASTM B841

P

No standard(6) No standard(6) No standard(6)(proprietaryprocess)(proprietaryprocess)(proprietaryprocess)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

- (7)

500 hours

2000 hours

500 hours

500 hours

500 hours (8)500 hours (7)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Not Reflective

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Non-MagneticYes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Cr6+ < 0.01 %(RoHS limit = 0.1 % max)

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes- (8)- (9)Easy to check homogeneity /Thickness of layer

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No (10)No (10)Yes

Environment friendly

Poor

Poor

PoorGood

Poor (11)Poor (11)-Yes

Poor (12)Poor (12)Poor (13)- (14)- (14)- (14)

Shell-to-Shell Continuity < 2.5 mΩ
Durability (500 mating cycles)
Salt spray resistanceaccording to standard

Temperature
rating

175°C
200°C

Human health and safety
Compatibility with new de-icing
fluid (with potassium acetate)

Poor
Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes(14)See next page for notes explanation.

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38999 Series III | RoHS Black Zinc Nickel
1 SOURIAU Zinc Nickel (Z code) and RoHS

A unique SOURIAU plating process compliant with RoHS
regulation for Cadmium and Cr6+ restriction.

2 Electrical compatibility of Zinc Nickel (Z codewith Cadmium (W code)

Electrical potential of Zinc Nickel and Cadmium are very similar
which removes the risk of galvanic corrosion and defects after
500 hours salt spray.

3 Electrical compatibility of Nickel PTFE (T code)with cadmium (W code)

PTFE is an inert polymer, therefore the galvanic potential of
Nickel + PTFE will be the potential of the Nickel alone. It meansthat the electrical compatibility is not guaranteed between Nickel
PTFE and Cadmium for long salt exposure, which is not the casefor Zinc Nickel (electrical potential close to Cadmium).

4 Nickel PTFE (T code) production processes
complex and expensive

Nickel PTFE requires specially manufactured high tolerancemachined parts (special requirement on surface roughness) as
the thicker plating is not compatible with standard machinedparts.
• These special machined parts lead to a higher cost and quality
risk (mixing very similar parts and special care in case ofoutsourcing).
• Therefore, the high thickness of nickel PTFE means a longdeposit time and also a more expensive process.
• The lifetime of the chemical mixture is half than an electrolytic
nickel or nickel alloy (Zinc Nickel) mixture.

5 Pure Electrodeposited Aluminum (P code)very complex and unique deposition process

Very complex and explosive process which requires a building
with special containment facility and not available in standard
plating shops. Main limitation are the following:• Flammable and explosive solvent which requires inert
atmosphere.
• Highly skilled worker (expertise and training)• Specific care for handling and storage of mixture in a
separate building.

6 ASTM standards

These standards are defined to allow a reliable quality level ofplating process with multisourcing option. Nickel PTFE (T code)
and Pure Electrodeposited Aluminum (P code) are not definedby ASTM industrial standards.

7 Cycles of durability, limitation for Pure
Electrodeposited Aluminum (P code)

Performance limitation has been raised in 38999 salt spray bytests against Pure Electrodeposited Aluminum:• Galling: abrasive wear of Ni-plated EMI band leads togenerate conductive particles with a potential risk of shortcircuiting the contacts.
• Requires use of lubricants - limited effectiveness, risk of lower
electrical continuity.

8 Thin Nickel PTFE (T code) salt spray
resistanceThin Nickel PTFE (T code) could require Cr VI to meet corrosion
performance and consequently not comply with ROHS limit.
This is one way to heal pores at defect sites of the primary parts
and to decrease the production cost of the thick Nickel PTFE
plating (see note 4).

9 Pure Electrodeposited Aluminum (P code)
and Chromium VI

Chromium VI is required to meet high corrosion performances.

10 Thickness control of Nickel PTFE layer (Thinand Thick Layer)

There is no standard in line equipment to control the homogeneity of PTFE concentration within the plating material andthe only way to control the PTFE concentration is achieved withcomplex lab equipment such as Scanning Electron Microscope(PTFE is a non conductive material).
There is consequently a strong limitation for in line processcontrol and ability to outsource. It means that the lack of control
associated with the risk of non homogeneity of the PTFE
concentration could lead to an uncontrolled dormant failure anda rapid corrosion.

11 Environment friendly, limitation for Nickel
PTFE (T code)

The average bath lifetime of the chemical nickel PTFE is halfthat of electroless nickel and 10 times less than nickel alloy (zincnickel) bath. This leads to a higher waste volume of nickel
pollution. Furthermore, the waste toxicity of electroless nickel ornickel alloys is higher than the electrolytic process:		• Cadmium		• Nickel electrolessToxicity		
• Nickel PTFElevel		• Electrolytic zinc nickel
In addition, the PTFE material is toxic and indestructible.
Some PTFE suppliers might stop their PTFE production after
2013 (ie. Dupont)

12 Nickel PTFE (T code) is potentially hazardous
to human health

The Nickel PTFE material is recognized as toxic and indestructible.Most of the experts are considering PFOA (used in PTFE) a«likely human carcinogen». This was also proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

13 Pure Electrodeposited Aluminum (P code)
process is very hazardous to safety

For Pure Electrodeposited Aluminum, production is a very highrisk for human safety due to:• Flammable and explosive solvent which requires inert
atmosphere.
• High skilled of workers necessary (expertise and training).
• Specific care for handling and storage of mixture in a separatebuilding.
• Pure Electrodeposited Aluminum is considered a dangerous
explosive process for people involved in the plating process.

14 De-icing fluid (contains potassium acetate)

SOURIAU Zinc Nickel is compatible with de-icing fluids containing
potassium acetate.
No datas found regarding Nickel PTFE or Pure Electrodeposited
Aluminum.

538999 Series III | RoHS Black Zinc Nickel
Description• For pressurized & unpressurized application• Indoor/outdoor• High contact density #22:
- The only connnector series with #22 qualified
contact- Up to 128 #22 contacts• Contact protection: 100% Scoop proof• Robustness:- Robust coupling system (scoop proof)- 500 mating/unmating operation- Up to 500 hours salt spray withstanding- Vibration: 44g @ 175°C

Technical features
Materials

Electrical

Environmental• Shell: Aluminum• Test voltage rating (Vrms):• Temperature range: -65°C +200°C (Z)ServiceRMNIII• Shell plating: Black zinc nickel (Z)• Insulator: Thermoplastic• Grommet and interfacial seal:
Silicone elastomer• Contacts: Copper alloy

sea level
400
1 300
1 000
1 800
2 300

at 21000 m
N/A
800
600
1 000
1 000

• Contact resistance:• Contacts plating: Gold over nickel plated• Endurance:. 500 mating cycles all materials. 1500 mating cycles for composite
connectors with specifics contacts• Shock:
300g, 3 ms according EN 2591-D2 method A• Vibration:. Sinus:. 10 à 2000 Hz, 3x12 hrs(60g, 140 - 2000 Hz) with T° cycling. Random:. 50 to 2000 Hz, 2x8 Hrs(1g2/ Hz, 100 - 2000Hz) at T° max.
. 25 to 2000 Hz, 2x8 Hrs(5g2/ Hz, 100 - 300Hz) at ambiant T°
Test with accessories in acc with EN2591-D3

4Resistance mΩ 16 14.6 7.3 3.8 3.5 32• Insulation resistance:≥ 5 000 MΩ (under 500 Vdc)
• Contact rating:Contacts size 26 22 20 16 12 83• Salt spray: 500 Hrs (Z)Resistance to fluids

Contacts size 26 22 20 16 12 8Rating (A)• Sealing:
Mated connectors meet altitude immersion
requirements of MIL-DTL-38999.

45 7.5 13 23 45 80• Shell continuity: 2.5 mΩ (Z)• Shielding:. 85 db at 1 GHz (Z). 50 db at 10 GHz (Z)• According to MIL-DTL-38999 standard. Gasoline: JP5 (OTAN F44)
. Mineral hydraulic fluid: MIL-H-5606(OTAN H515). Synthetic hydraulic fluid: Skydrol 500 B4• LD4 (SAE AS 1241). Mineral lubricating: MIL-L-7870A(OTAN 0142). Synthetic lubricating: MIL-L-23699(OTAN 0156), MIL-L-7808. Cleaning fluid: MIL-DTL-25769 diluted. De-icing fluid: MIL-A-8243. Extinguishing fluid: Bromochloromethane. Cooling fluid: Coolanol• Contact retention:Contacts size

24 22 20 16 12

Min force in N

30 44 67 111 111 111 200

84Dimensions, layouts, contacts, accessories, tooling & derived series
Please consult «8D Series - MIL-DTL-38999 Series III» catalog on www.souriau.com
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38999 Series III | RoHS Black Zinc Nickel
MIL-DTL-38999 Series III - Part numbers
Basic Series

D38999/20ZB

35PNPNL

Shell style
20: Square flange receptacle
24: Jam nut receptacle
26: Plug with RFI shielding.
All information in this document presents only general particulars and shall not form part of any contract. All rights reserved to SOURIAU for changes without prior notification or public announcement. Any duplication is prohibited, unless approved in writing.

Plating
Z: Black zinc nickel
Shell size: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J
Contact layout: See SOURIAU «8D Series - 38999 Series III» catalog
Contact type
P: MaleS: Female

A: Connector supplied less pin contact or with specific contacts (marking : A + orientation)
B: Connector supplied less socket contact or with specific contacts (marking : B + orientation)

Orientation: N, A, B, C, D, E
L: For P or S contact type only, connector delevired without contacts, connector marking P or S (without L)

SOURIAU 8D Series - Part numbers
Basic Series

8D0-11Z

35

L

Shell style
0: Square flange receptacle
1: In line receptacle
7: Jam nut receptacle
5: Plug with RFI shielding

Square flange receptacle with clinch nuts available (please consult us)
Jam nut receptacle with double flange available (please consult us)

Type- : Connectors with standard crimp contacts.
L: Receptacle with long PC tail (male and female size #22D, #20).
C: Receptacle with short PC tail (male and female #22D, #20, #16).
S: Receptacle with specific PC tail (male et female #22D)
W: Receptacle with male contacts #22D for wire wrap (3 wraps)
T: Receptacle with male contacts #20 for wire wrap (2 wraps)
P: Receptacle with solder cup contacts - please consult us
PC tail contacts without shoulder available (please consult us)

Shell size: 09, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25

WDS8DBZNWUSEN01 © Copyright SOURIAU Nov 2019 - SOURIAU is a registered trademark.

Plating
Z: Black zinc nickel
Contact layout: See SOURIAU «8D Series - 38999 Series III» catalog
Contact type
P: Male
A: Connector supplied less pin contact or with specific contacts (marking : A + orientation)
S: Female
B: Connector supplied less socket contact or with specific contacts (marking : B + orientation)
Orientation: N, A, B, C, D, E
Specification
046: Tinned straight PC tail251: Connector provided with power contacts (layouts with contact #8)
022: Fuel tankSpecial custom
None: Standard plastic cap
M: Antistatic plastic cap
L: For P or S contact type only, connectors delivered without contacts, connectors marking P or S plus orientation

For further information contact us at technical.emear@souriau.com (Europe - Asia - Africa)
technical.americas@souriau.com (North America)
or visit our web site www.souriau.com

7