1. Home
  2. cables
  3. 196357-80822

Plating Question

Few things bring out OCD like connectors.  What seems to be so simple often is not. For example, did you know that tin joined to copper is a bad idea.  The metals can react and form dreaded dendrites. Yikes!

More recently was looking for pure copper spades plated with rhodium.  It sounds like in the real world that is not done as copper contaminates the rhodium plating solution.  That might be why why Cardas uses silver over copper, then plates a layer of rhodium.  But silver also ruins the rhodium plating solution.  Apparently, a layer of nickel or palladium in needed before rhodium plating takes place.

Makes me really question what you are buying--especially when it comes to Chinese goods.  Who the heck really knows what's under that shiny rhodium plating?

Any thoughts?

corelli
roadcykler
340 posts
 

And no metallurgical engineer would tell you cryo treatment makes a difference in how electricity travels along wiring, yet lots of non-metallurgical engineers tell you they can hear a difference. 

williewonka
3,169 posts
 

@corelli  I’ve always used silver plated copper

  • Pure copper can oxidize and turn green, which impedes signal transfer and can cause pitting on the surface of the connector
  • Whereas silver plated copper combines the two best conductors and the silver plating only tarnishes. Tarnish has to be very severe to impede signal transfer to the same level as oxidized copper
  • The tarnish can often be removed simply by reseating the connector, restoring the original conductivity
  • Other plating materials do not have the conductive properties of silver or copper
  • But if you want "pretty cables" then gold or rhodium look really good🥴

But ithe design of the connector also plays a key role in connector performance.

  • Some of the best connectors currently available come from KLE Innovations

Silver plated copper will provide...

  • Fastest dynamics
  • Best imaging
  • Finest micro details
  • Articulate signal transfer

But that’s just my opinion after designing and building DIY HELIX cables, with the help of many others from around the world, for over 12 years.

Hope that helps

faustuss's avatar
faustuss
825 posts
 

@corelli I did follow your link to Great Plains Electronics wherein I pasted this statement into the search bar.

"From an old Intel study: "Studies show that fretting occurs when tin comes in pressure contact with gold or any other metal. Tin debris will transfer to the gold surface and oxidize. Continued transfer will build up an oxide film layer. Mixing gold and tin leads doesn't always cause an immediate problem, the problem usually occurs over time.""

I found this one which provided no further references to any other sources or links.

"The study you referenced discusses how tin debris can transfer to gold surfaces and oxidize, leading to the buildup of an oxide film layer over time. This phenomenon is significant in various applications, including electronics, where the interaction between metals can affect performance and reliability. The study emphasizes that while immediate problems may not arise, long-term exposure to these interactions can lead to degradation and failure in devices.
For more detailed insights, you can refer to the full study here."

More on this later, I have to go to the bathroom.

More to discover