It may seem difficult to determine the right thickness for gold plating connectors and contacts. Connectors must perform reliably even under harsh conditions, and they can only do so when the plating is properly designed with the right amount of thickness. As an added factor, gold can be an expensive material to procure, meaning it’s important to only make plating as thick as it needs to be — thicker than needed means wasted money.
Here’s a look at gold plating thickness standards for connectors so that you’re able to design gold plating at the minimum thickness for performance and cost savings.
Gold Plating Thickness for MIL-DTL-45204D and ASTM B488
MIL-DTL-45204D, as you likely know, is a technical military specification for gold plating. According to these technical specifications, minimum thickness requirements are determined by class:
- Class 00: .00002 inches
- Class 0: .00003 inches
- Class 1: .00005 inches
- Class 2: .00010 inches
- Class 3: .00020 inches
- Class 4: .00030 inches
- Class 5: .00050 inches
- Class 6: .00150 inches
Similarly, the technical specifications for ASTM B488 require a minimum thickness that always mirrors the classification. For example, Class 1.0 requires a minimum thickness of 1 micron. Class 1.25 requires a minimum thickness of 1.25 microns, and so forth.
Other Important Considerations When Choosing Gold Plating
The thickness itself is just one consideration when choosing the right gold plating. Other important considerations include:
- Solderability: As you create thicker gold plating, the solderability of that plating is questionable. There are many cases in which thicker gold plating becomes embrittled after joints have been created. This is another reason to remain close to minimum thickness requirements — it enhances soldering possibilities.
- Underplate: Underplating is often recommended or required in some technical specifications. For example, the MIL-DTL-45204D specifications allow for the use of copper or nickel underplating where needed to enhance strike thickness.
- Corrosion/Wear: It’s also important to think about wear on the product, which thicker gold helps to prevent, as well as possible corrosion. In many cases, underplating can also be used as a means to prevent future corrosion.
Depending on your specific application and minimum thickness requirements, you may face a series of other important considerations. It’s also good to lean on technical specifications laid out like the ones above, so that you can focus on the outlined minimum thickness levels and other gold plating specifications.
Gold Plating Services at SPC
When you need a thin layer of gold that meets minimum thickness requirements, the team at SPC is here to help. We offer a wealth of experience and knowledge in the gold plating industry, and we can make expert recommendations as you consider the minimum thickness for your application. We offer a team and services that can get the job done on your behalf. We also provide outstanding customer service and strive to exceed your expectations on any given project.
Contact us today to learn more about our gold plating services.
