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Silver, Ag, Argentum

C

Chris Carlen

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi:

Aside from the fact that the white metal's price has shot up to $7.40/oz
as of 05:00 GMT, I also find the stuff is frequently spread all over
electrical contacts.

The result is of course that they tarnish and become very difficult to
solder. Such as the BNC connector solder terminals that I was working
with this afternoon. After wire brushing them, they become more manageable.

But the center contact of the BNCs are also quite tarnished.

What is the effect of tarnished silver on electrical conductivity?

Why is silver plated on solder terminals when the obvious consequence is
that they will wind up tarnishing and becoming very difficult to solder?
Why not just plate all solder terminals with tin?

I've always had a peculiar fascination and love affair with silver, but
I just don't like it on my solder terminals.


Good day!
 
X

xray

Jan 1, 1970
0
What is the effect of tarnished silver on electrical conductivity?

The tarnished silver actually conducts pretty well. That's one of the
reasons it is so popular for RF circuits and connectors.
 
C

Chris Carlen

Jan 1, 1970
0
xray said:
The tarnished silver actually conducts pretty well. That's one of the
reasons it is so popular for RF circuits and connectors.


Is gold in the quantities needed for plating contacts that much more
expensive (relative to the cost of the whole item) than silver?

Isn't gold better?



Good day!


--
_______________________________________________________________________
Christopher R. Carlen
Principal Laser/Optical Technologist
Sandia National Laboratories CA USA
[email protected] -- NOTE: Remove "BOGUS" from email address to reply.
 
K

Kryten

Jan 1, 1970
0
Chris Carlen said:
Is gold in the quantities needed for plating contacts that much more
expensive (relative to the cost of the whole item) than silver?

Isn't gold better?

When I worked at a hi-fi company, they said they found they could not tell
any difference between gold plated connectors and the usual silver-coloured
(chromium?) connectors.

However, customer feedback indicated that customers perceived equipment as
being cheaper and inferior if they did not use gold, so we used gold so
customers would have one less objection to buying our stuff.

At a satellite company I worked for, they deliberately removed the gold from
transputer PGA chips because gold dissolves into solder and makes it more
brittle.

As for the expense, I think it is a tiny fraction because it is only a few
microns thick.
However this doesn't stop suppliers from charging you a lot more for
finished items! :)

Having said that, the amount of gold in scrap electronics compares well with
many gold-bearing ores, in the range of ounces per tonne!

K.
 
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