| Search our quarter-million Q&As |
Home of the finishing HOTLINE since 1989
-----ASTM B633 (yellow chromate over zinc) versus ASTM B545 (tin over nickel) plating comparison
Are there any advantages / disadvantages when considering yellow chromate over Zinc Plating (ASTM B633, type II) versus tin plating (ASTM B545 ) over a base material of steel? My area of interest relates to conductivity, resistance to corrosion, solderability, etc. I was under the impression, perhaps incorrectly, that tin was the preferred choice because of its superior conductive properties. Also, if the same plating question was asked about ASTM B633 versus ASTM B545 but the base material was changed from steel to aluminum, would the answer change? I am getting conflicting feedback when the base material changes from steel to aluminum. This is a commercial application and the end product will be used in radio infrastructure equipment.
Tom Barron- Downers Grove, Illinois, USA
2002
2002
As regards Conductivity and Solderability, Tin wins hands down. Zinc yellow would however scrape past the tin on corrosion resistance.
On changing the substrate to Aluminium, I would go for chromating the Aluminium to yellow instead of zinc plating or tin plating. Al will tke care of the conductivity issue and you may not find it necessary to solder the mating part as crimping or screwing on may be equally good alternatives which you could look at.
Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Sorry! Finishing.com is temporarily Read-Only.
Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.