Tin electroplating

Electroplated tin ensures good solderability, ductility, and corrosion protection on contacts and components. Therefore, it is widely used in the electrical and electronics industry as contact material. Copper alloys and steel are particularly suitable base metals for tin plating.

Electrolytic Tin Plating for Elektronics

Traditionally, tinning was done by immersing objects in a bath of molten tin. However, electroplating is a much more controlled process, resulting in a thinner and even more uniform tin layer. In electroplating, the object is also immersed in a bath, but this time it’s a solution of tin salts. The metal object to be treated is covered with a layer of tin using electricity. The object acts as the cathode, while tin serves as the anode from which ions move toward the object. With electroplating, very thin layers of just a few micrometers can be applied with high quality and precision.

Corrosion protection

The corrosion protection by electroplated tin depends on the pore density of the layer. It is not a good corrosion protector on materials like steel because corrosion of the base metal occurs almost immediately at a pore due to the potential difference with the substrate.

Tinning of copper

Electrolytic tinning of copper and copper alloys, on the other hand, is a very suitable method to protect the material against oxidation. In addition, copper retains its good electrical properties, and solderability is also maintained. Both conductivity and solderability are properties of great importance for components in the field of electrical and electronics.

Tinning of brass

Electroplating tin is also a good option. However, the solderability of this material deteriorates over time. This is due to diffusion of zinc from the brass alloy into the tin layer. To prevent this diffusion of zinc, Galvano Hengelo first applies a barrier layer under the tin for fine and/or critical contacts on the brass. This barrier layer consists of 2 to 3 microns of nickel.

Properties of electrodeposited tin

The specifications of the tin with which we provide your product can be found in the table.

Maximum product dimensions:

LxBxH = 1300 x 300 x 900 mm
Max. weight = 300 kg

Basic materials for tinning:
Copper (alloys) and steel

See Technical datasheet Tin Platin for more information.

Properties of electrodeposited tin
Symbool	Sn
Content	> 98	%
Density	7,29	g/cm3
Melting point (appx.)	220	°C
Electrical conductivity	10,7	1/Ω
Electrical resistance	9,3	µΩ/cm
Hardness (semi-bright coating)	20 - 40	HV

Why Galvano Hengelo?

100% quality

We go for the highest quality possible

The specialist

We are specialized in electroplating

Fast delivery

We make every effort to guarantee the fastest possible delivery

Both large and small components

Galvano Hengelo has extensive experience with electroplating tin and has built up a lot of expertise since its inception in 1996. Customers also benefit from our large capacity. In addition, we can use barrel or hanging methods for electroplating. Barrel plating is especially suitable for smaller and less damage-sensitive products that cannot be hung due to their shape. These are treated as bulk goods in special electroplating barrels. Our large capacity and state-of-the-art techniques shorten our lead times, which directly benefits you as a customer.

Choose electroplating with Galvano Hengelo!