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Solderability Problem With Steel Spring

I'm looking for an economical means of achieving a solderable finish on an off-the-shelf spring made from zinc plated, hard drawn wire. The spring is used for an electrical contact and must be soldered to a pc board.

Bill Kaufman
- Garrett, Indiana
2000

Zinc does not solder that well. I would look at silver plated or tin plated or nickel plated. Vapor deposited nickel is a possibility. If it has to go over already plated wire, it must be stripped, so would need to be prebaked and post baked to prevent H2 embrittlement.Time from process to oven is as important as the time and temp at bake. This is frequently badly abused.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2000

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