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Tin vs. Nickel

The part in question for plating is an electrical component to one of our products. Strong electrical characteristics are important as well as corrosion resistance. The plating must be able to stand up to a wide variety of outdoor environments around the world. We were first going to go with tin plating but our supplier can also plate nickel. This was suggested for a nicer cosmetic look. But will the nickel add any corrosion resistance or electrical strength?

Any input will be highly appreciated, thanks.

Adam Cozzens
industrial power systems - Fort Edward, New York
2003

Theoretically, I would say that thickness being equal, tin outperforms plain nickel for corrosion resistance and electrical properties (Standard Electrode Potential is -0.14 for Tin and -0.23 for Ni, so tin is slightly more electropositive than Ni). But there might be other considerations such as scratch resistance, coverage, etc. We don't know your parts, your supplier does, so he must have a point if he is suggesting the alternative.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2003