No passwords, no registration, no paywalls, no popups, no AI

As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner we earn from affil links

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

Search our quarter-million Q&As

Home of the finishing HOTLINE since 1989

-----

Can Tin Whiskers grow through insulation on wire?

Anyone know if tin whiskers can grow through an insulation on a 24 gauge wire made from tin coated copper wire? The wires were made to ASTM B33, which is for tin coated copper wire. The wire involves a part on an engine we're making. Thanks for your time and assistance.

Paul Cohen
automotive - Gainesville, Virginia
2003

Hi, Paul. My 'gut feel' is that they can't, since they are spires deriving their generating force from the release of very tiny internal stresses in the tin plating, and would not seem to have the power to fight their way against a resistance like insulation. But truthfully I am unaware of any studies on whether they can do this or not. Interesting question.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
September 23, 2009

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.

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: