Albaloy, Miralloy, Optalloy copper/tin/zinc alloy plating

Letter 037

Albaloy, Miralloy, Optalloy copper/tin/zinc alloy plating

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I'm looking for information on a copper/tin/zinc alloy process marketed under a variety of names including Albaloy, Miralloy, Optalloy. I worked with the process some years ago and have contacted a couple of vendors for updated information, but it seems little has actually ever been published. I think the process dates to the 1940's. What I am really after is real-world experience pertaining to this alloy. Bath makeup, maintenance, and life cycle would be appreciated. Also desired is information on deposit properties such as solderability, shelf-life, corrosion resistance, and electrical properties. Finally, are there any non-destructive thickness methods available (can you do XRF on the deposit)? Thanks

Bill Vins
microwave & cable assemblies
Mesa (what a place-a), Arizona

i need some information about optalloy, that includes formulation and characteristics.

hassan karami
tarbiat modarres university - tehran, tehran, iran

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There is renewed interest in this these days because of the need to eliminate nickel plating from jewelry. While some of those older tradenames may still be in use, it is usually called "white bronze" plating these days. It is in wide use in many countries, perhaps less so in the USA because we do not have a ban on nickel in jewelry as many other countries do. I heard a good presentation about it recently by Uyemura.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

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