Summary for hot dip plated brass Discussion
Hot dip plated brass vs pre-tin plated Cu Zn 30 is discussed as a terminal-material question, but the answer raises a terminology issue first. Louie Lao asks about the difference between a hot dip pre-tin plated brass and a pre-tin plated Cu Zn 30, including insulation, contact resistance, and current-carrying ability for circuit terminals. In reply, the answerer says they have never heard of “hot dip brass” being used as a plating and suggests the term may be mistaken. They note that brass is commonly electrodeposited, but caution that contact resistance is not a fixed property because it changes with time and environment as brass tarnishes. The practical guidance is that brass-plated contacts are only useful where there is reliable wiping action, such as a slide switch, and mainly for very temporary, low-cost applications.
I would like to know the difference between a hot dip pre-tin plated brass and a pre-tin plated Cu Zn 30.
Please also provide me its efficiency (insulation and contact resistance and its orthodox electric current.
This is used for the terminal of a circuit.
Thank you very much.
Louie Lao
Automotive – Cebu, Philippines
A. Hi Louis. Personally, I have never heard of “hot dip brass” being applied as a plating on tin or otherwise. Sorry, but are you sure?
Brass is routinely electrodeposited, but I do not think “contact resistance” is the right way to look at it, since this will vary greatly with time — brass tarnish is directly proportional to time and environment. I think a brass plated contact would only be of value where there is a dependable wiping action, like on a flashlight with a slide-to-on switch, and only on very temporary items like very cheap flashlights. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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