Contact surface metal coating article with data PDF - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Overspeed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2025, 07:55:48 am
content: HelloAn interesting article on various coating performances ( Palladium , Silver , Tin ... )RegardsOS

author: mendip_discovery
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2025, 10:41:42 am
content: Well, mostly talks about silver.Basically, it is cheaper than gold but not as good as gold. So if you are making connectors use gold plating.

author: Overspeed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2025, 11:51:10 am
content: Quote from: mendip_discovery on February 09, 2025, 10:41:42 amHelloyes and no most gold coating are poorly made most Chinese gold coating have heterogenous surface both in roughness and surface coverage , perfect solution is PVD coating but that quite difficult on internal surfaceChemical gold coating as Fire gilding is a bit as ''shake the hand of the devil'' .RegardsOS

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2025, 02:05:51 pm
content: Quote from: mendip_discovery on February 09, 2025, 10:41:42 amIt depends on the application. Gold has very poor resistance to arcing damage, so it is not suitable for high-current connections where hot-plugging or high vibration occur. (Same reason gold can’t be used for switch/relay contacts, except for very low-current applications.)

author: Overspeed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2025, 03:40:19 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on February 09, 2025, 02:05:51 pmHelloI agree on gold plating , number of cycles shall be taken in consideration , most connector are given for 500 cycles .There is also a big difference between coating and massive parts as ''bead'' or slip ring parts . A metal / alloy can work as contact but be problematic as coating( wear / galling/ ...)https://naeco.net/electrical-contact-materials-product-matrix/RegardsOS

author: mendip_discovery
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2025, 07:30:46 pm
content: Quote from: Overspeed on February 09, 2025, 11:51:10 amWhat does this have to do with the article, its based on Tyco research on the use of Silver as a cheaper option. It basically says its possible but you need to design around its issues. There is no mention of China.Its got good thermal/electrical conductivity,QuoteIt is cheaper,QuoteIt is not as noble as Gold,QuoteYou have to design it to avoid issues due to tarnishing etc.Quote

author: Overspeed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2025, 08:37:39 pm
content: @ mendipHellothe main parameter in contact is the matting rate , a long term contact without dismantling as aircraft connectors is not at all a test equipment where you connect on disconnect several time per day up to hour .other parameter is does oxidation / cleaning is allowed , some master piece of metrology us pure copper connectors.other parameter is the ''micro galling'' generated by vibration , a military aircraft is not a lab equipment in a metrology building .Gold is the easiest way but no the best , Palladium can be a true challenger for exampleRegardsOS