Material for electroplating: tin

Tin_Zinn

Basic properties of tin

Material Tin
Symbol Sn
Standard DIN EN 13602 “Requirements of the tin-plating”
Density (g/cm³ at 20°C) 5.769 g/cm³ (bei 20 °C) (α-tin)
7.265 g/cm³ (bei 20 °C) (β-tin)
Melting point (°C) 231.93
Electrical conductivity (m/Ωmm² at 20°C) 8.69
Notes on properties and use
  • Good malleability
  • Non-toxic, even with larger quantities
  • Very low melting point
  • Temperature resistance (120°C)
  • Effective protection against corrosion
  • Easy to solder

DIN EN 13602 “Requirements of the tin-plating”

Type

Min. unalloyed
tin plating thickness
(µm)

Purity
of tin layer

Bonding
of tin layer
A 0.3 max. 1.0 g copper
per m² wire surface		 no cracks and interruptions
B 0.6
C not specified

Our wires and stranded conductors are available bare and with a range of surface finishes manufactured to industry, national and international standards as well as to individual customer specifications.

Fields of application for tin

Copper wires are mainly tin-plated in order to prevent environment-driven corrosion. Signal and heating cables are prominent examples of products that have to meet advanced requirements in case AdBlue® emission control is applied since it uses extremely aggressive urea that would severely affect bare copper.

Better solderability is another reason for electroplating, which gains particular importance whenever automated procedures come into play. Avoiding contact corrosion and the formation of local cells enhances the durability of crimp connectors.