Matt tin plating for a major European automotive OEM

Service: Tin Plating

End user

Major European automotive OEM

Component description

A pressed copper terminal which is robotically assembled and soldered onto a subassembly which is an integral part of the power steering system used on many models within their range.

Coating requirement

Relatively delicate – need to ensure no deformation of the part even though processed in bulk flux rate – cleanliness – packing

Solution supplied

Bespoke plating barrels were purchased which are designed to ensure the components cannot get trapped in the internal joints of the barrel and so eliminating the possibility of parts bending while plating.

Similarly by investing in variable speed centrifugal driers we are able to slowly and gently increase the drier spin speed as well as slowly reduce the spin to standstill.

Another key customer requirement is to ensure all deliveries meet stringent cleanliness requirements.  To this end we use an external laboratory to wash a predetermined number of plated parts and to microscopically inspect the washing to measure any loose residual particles on the surface.