Sacrificial Plating with Tin-Zinc (TZ) in a Nutshell
Key TZ Facts
Color
Lubricity
Durability
• Latest sacrificial-finish alternative to Cadmium to be approved by SAE and DLA • 70/30 Tin-Zinc alloy with green/gold chromate over electroless Nickel • Excellent conductivity, remaining conductive after 2,000+ salt-spray hours. • Base metal corrosion protection to 4,000+ hours. • Galvanically similar and compatible to Cadmium • Alloy hardness comparable to Cadmium • Thoroughly tested and ultimately recommended by NAVSEA over Nickel- PTFE and Zinc Nickel • Qualified to VG95234 class J (5015 reverse bayonet) • Qualified to MIL-DTL-28840 plating code TZ for classes L and M
Conductivity
Corrosion Protection
Why We Plate Desirable characteristics of an ideal connector finish • Increased conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness • Increased corrosion protection, galvanic compatibility, and extended field service life • Increased durability and wear resistance • Improved color and non-reflectivity • Increased surface lubricity to prevent galling or seizing
Surface Plating Operating Environments
Sheltered • Temperature/humidity stable • No exposure to liquids
Ambient • Varying temperature and humidity • Limited exposure to liquids, vapors or fumes • Higher performance materials required such as heavy electroless nickel (ME) or Nickel-PTFE (MT) • Galvanic potential of dissimilar material ~0.25 V
Harsh • High humidity/temperature fluctuations • High exposure to liquids and/or corrosive elements • Highest-performance finishes required such as Cadmium (NF) Zinc-Nickel (ZR), or Tin-Zinc (TZ) • Galvanic potential of dissimilar material ~0.15 V
• Common materials and simple finishes are sufficient such as electroless nickel (M) • Galvanic potential of dissimilar material ~0.50V
QwikConnect • April 2023
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