Technical Data
Electroplating is a process that uses electric current to add a coating of specified metal to wire. The coating of the chosen metal adds properties to the underlying product Resistance to corrosion, conductivity, and aesthetic quality are some of the benefits of plating wire.
1) Why gold plating is so popular/common.
Gold is simply the best conductor for required springs, pins and connectors.
2) Does nickel-plating work well with different plating technologies?
Nickel functions like a barrier that is between the base substrate and the finish (applied over the nickel layer). Nickel will help prevent the composition of the base metal from affecting the performance of the finish.
3) Is nickel better than tin?
Both have different characteristics, and so it is important to acquire wire that is designed to fit your exact needs. For instance, nickel has little solderability, and forming nickel may crack under stress. Nickel is known to grow heavy oxide, and it is less conductive than tin. In many cases, tin is the appropriate material.
4) Why has silver plating become so common?
Silver is the less costly plating material with similar characteristics to gold. Silver, however is vulnerable to tarnishing which over time will lead to less certain performance and conductivity.