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Plating aluminum for corrosion resistance, solderability, esthetics

Hi All,

We are an electronics co. that packages a lot of our products in aluminum chassis. We currently plate the aluminum with electroless nickel then electrodeposited tin plate. We are looking for good corrosion resistance as well as solderability and of course we want the chassis to be esthetically pleasing. Are there any other suggested combinations of plating that can give me these three attributes?

Bill Rees
- Lancaster, PA, Lancaster
2000

You don't specifically state the corrosion protection you are trying to achieve (HRS in Salt Spray), but a copper underplate followed by a bright acid tin will give you the solderabilty requirements with enhanced corrosion resistance. This process will replace the current electroless nickel plate but unknown if it will achieve what your looking for. What is it in the existing process that you are not happy with?

Tim Martin
plating shop - Springfield, Massachusetts
2000