Nickel-phosphorus as a coating – an economical and environmentally friendly alternative
The use of nickel-phosphorus (NiP) in the contact system of connectors represents an innovative alternative to traditional plating systems with a gold surface. A key aspect here is the optimization of cost-effectiveness and sustainability without compromising technical performance. Connectors with NiP in the contact system are fully comparable in application to established connectors and are qualified for various applications. The minimal gold flash also ensures reliable compatibility with common plating systems in connectors.
The decisive advantage, however, lies in resource efficiency: the consumption of precious metals is reduced by up to 90 percent compared to traditional plating systems. This enables a reduction in the total CO₂ footprint of a connector by a remarkable 85 percent. ept has already produced over one billion contacts with NiP. With a defect rate of 0 ppm for the plating system, NiP has already proven itself in many ept products.
The decisive advantage, however, lies in resource efficiency: the consumption of precious metals is reduced by up to 90 percent compared to traditional plating systems. This enables a reduction in the total CO₂ footprint of a connector by a remarkable 85 percent. ept has already produced over one billion contacts with NiP. With a defect rate of 0 ppm for the plating system, NiP has already proven itself in many ept products.
This is what the presentation covers:
- High-quality connectors are characterized by gold-plated contacts, as gold is the predominant and preferred contact surface for connectors.
- However, the visibility of a gold layer does not permit conclusions regarding the layer structure or the thickness of the gold plating.
- A pure gold coating is not always the surface of choice in the contact area of connectors.
About the speaker
Christoph Schnatz
Product & Process Development For the
past 20 years, Christoph has been studying the effects on and with surfaces; thanks to his experience, this Master of Micro- and Nanotechnology is familiar with scales ranging from the nanometer to the decimeter range. For many years, he has been involved in the development and design of products and processes at ept. In addition to his day-to-day work, he is also active in internal
knowledge transfer.
Product & Process Development For the
past 20 years, Christoph has been studying the effects on and with surfaces; thanks to his experience, this Master of Micro- and Nanotechnology is familiar with scales ranging from the nanometer to the decimeter range. For many years, he has been involved in the development and design of products and processes at ept. In addition to his day-to-day work, he is also active in internal
knowledge transfer.