TE Connectivity introduced a connector contact plating technology, the Econidur surface plating technology.
Econidur is designed to reduce traditional precious metal layers in contact surfaces, helping to significantly lower CO₂ emissions while maintaining uncompromising quality standards.
Andrea ColomboThe name Econidur reflects the advantages of this nickel-phosphorus-based plating: the contact finish is more environmentally friendly due to its lower carbon footprint, based on the nickel-phosphorus plating stack, and excellent performance in durability is maintained.
The high-performance Econidur plated contacts solution supports engineers with superior vibration resistance and reliability for demanding applications. Recently developed measurement methods help to ensure high quality in process and product reliability.
“TE’s Econidur plating is a well-designed nickel-phosphorus plating (NiP) that utilizes a sophisticated stack configuration. This is the key to high quality and excellent performance,” says Andrea Colombo, product manager at TE.
Meeting Increasing Customer Requirements
Whether it is high signal integrity or high vibration resistance, customer expectations have risen significantly. In most industrial applications, improved protection against vibration, fretting, and corrosion is essential. This is why choosing the right plating is so important today.
Econidur plated connectors will function reliably in many industrial applications over an extended period, e.g., in automation control applications and motor control systems. They support reliable signal transmission of up to several Gbit/s and feature long-term withstand capabilities against vibration, gas influences, and microfriction.
Notable Advantages Through A Sophisticated Stack Configuration
The key to this high quality and outstanding performance is the layer structure: Econidur contacts are plated with a skillfully engineered Nickel-Phosphorus plating (NiP) that utilizes a sophisticated stack configuration.
Overall, Econidur plating reaches a minimum of the same characteristics as a precious metal plating layer. For fretting and vibration resistance, Econidur plated products are a reliable choice. According to TE’s internal analysis and calculations, in alignment with ISO standards (14067/14040/44), CO2 emissions decrease by over 44% compared to precious metal plating, depending on layer thickness, performance level, and connector type, thus contributing to greener manufacturing and supply chains. This decarbonized product helps customers meet their sustainability goals.
Although it is a new plating process, the quality of both the process and the product is maintained. TE has developed a set of measurement methods to quantify the layer thickness and structure.
More information about TE's Econidur plated connector contacts at https://www.te.com/en/products/connectors/intersection/econidur-plating.html.
