Electroless Nickel

Definition: Definition Electroless Nickel Plating is an auto-catalytic chemical technique used to deposit a layer of nickel-phosphorus without an external current. This process produces coatings of uniform thickness which is beneficial when plating irregularly shaped objects, holes, recesses, internal surfaces, valves or threaded holes. Electroless nickel is more corrosion resistant then traditional electrolytic nickel.

AMS-2404 (Supersedes AMS-C-26074 & MIL-C-26074)

Classifications

  • Thermal treatments:
    • Class 1: As plated with no subsequent heat treatment
    • Class 3: Thermal treatment at 375 °F (191 °C) to improve adhesion for nonheat-treatable aluminum alloys and beryllium alloys
    • Class 4: Thermal treatment at 250 °F (121 °C) to improve adhesion for heat-treatable aluminum alloys
  • Thicknesses:
    • AMS/MIL-C-26074 Grade A ~ AMS-2404 0.0010 inch minimum deposit thickness
    • AMS/MIL-C-26074 Grade B ~ AMS-2404 0.0005 inch minimum deposit thickness
    • AMS/MIL-C-26074 Grade C ~ AMS-2404 0.0015 inch minimum deposit thickness

ASTM B733

Classifications

  • Type I - no requirement of phosphorus content
  • Type IV - 5-9% phosphorus content (medium)

JMD uses a medium phosphorus content electroless nickel to obtain a bright appearance, while remaining magnetic and retaining good solder-ability and moderate corrosion resistance

  • SC0 - Minimum thickness 0.000004″

  • SC1 - Light Service 0.0002″ minimum

  • SC2 - Mild Service 0.0005″ minimum

  • SC3 - Moderate Service 0.001″ minimum

  • Class 1 - As deposited no heat treatment.

  • Class 3 - Heat treatment at 375°F (191 °C) for 2 to 4 hours to improve coating adhesion on steel and to provide hydrogen embrittlement relief.

  • Class 4 - Heat treatment at 250 °F (121 °C) for at least 1 hour of heat treatable (age-hardened) aluminum alloys and carburized steel to increase adhesion

  • Class 5 - Heat treatment at 300 °F (149 °C) for at least 1 hour to improve coating adhesion for aluminum, non age-hardened aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys and beryllium

Available Processes

  • Hand-line

Notes: JMD electroless nickel is RoHS compliant. JMD can provide corrosion testing according to ASTM B117 per request.

Tin

Definition: Tin is a soft, malleable, solderable deposit that is electrolytically applied to substrates. It is used for its resistance to corrosion, tarnishing and has the ability to preserve low contact resistance.

ASTM B545

(Mil-T-10727 was canceled in February of 1997, and the cancellation notice directs users to ASTM B545.)

Classifications

KEY: Class - Minimum thickness, Typical applications

  • A - 2.5 µm or 0.0001″, Mild service conditions, providing corrosion and tarnish resistance, coatings that are not to be soldered
  • B - 5 µm or 0.0002″, Mild service conditions, coating that helps facilitate the soldering of electrical components, surface preparation for protective painting
  • C - 8 µm or 0.00032″, Moderate exposure conditions, usually indoors, retention of solderablitly of solderable articles during storage
  • D - 15 µm or 0.0006″, Severe service, exposure to dampness and mild corrosion from environment
  • E - 30 µm or 0.0012″, Very severe sercie conditions, including elevated temperatures, exposed to corrosive ligquies, atmosphere or gases
  • F - 1.5µm or 0.00006″, Similar to class A but for shorter term contact applications and short shelf life requirements

Available Processes

  • Hand-line

Note: JMD is offering a RoHS compliant Bright Tin plating.

Zinc

Definition: Zinc plating is a sacrificial protective coating which can be further protected by post-plate treatments such as chromates and sealers. It is considered an inexpensive means of protecting against corrosion.

ASTM B633

Thickness classes for coatings

KEY: Classification #, Service condition, Thickness

  • Fe/Zn 25, SC4 (very severe), 25um or 0.001″
  • Fe/Zn 12, SC3 (severe), 12um or 0.0005″
  • Fe/Zn 8, SC2 (moderate), 8 um or 0.0003″
  • Fe/Zn 5, SC1 (mild), 5 um or 0.0002″

Finish Type and corrosion resistance

KEY: Type - Description, Minimum salt spray hours

  • I - As-plated without supplementary treatments
  • II - With colored chromate coatings, 96h
  • III - With colorless chromate conversion coatings, 12h
  • V - With colorless passivate, 72h
  • VI - With colored passivate, 120h

Zinc Chromate Colors:

  • Clear (iridescent)
  • Yellow (iridescent)

Available Processes

  • Hand-Line
  • Large Capacity Manual Hoist-Line

Notes: All chromate conversion for zinc plating processes are RoHS compliant. JMD can provide corrosion testing according to ASTM B117 per request.