Comparison of characteristics and application of bright tin and mist tin in tin plating

2024-08-23

1. Comparison of characteristics of bright tin and mist tin

1）Characteristics of bright tin

Advantages: Bright tin plating because of the addition of gloss agent in the plating solution, making the crystallization process more detailed. This fine crystalline structure helps to improve the gloss and beauty of the surface. With good gloss and reflectivity, it is not easy to leave fingerprints. And the price has a certain advantage.

Disadvantages: The use of bright tin light agent, the metal contains more organic matter leading to poor weldability, poor welding performance means that it is easy to produce tin whiskers at high temperatures, will form a short circuit between conductors, affecting electrical performance. At the same time, the high temperature resistance is poor, easy to change color at high temperature.

2) Characteristics of mist tin

Advantages: Mist tin is better than bright tin weldability and tin resistance (see figure below), fog tin because of the coarse crystallization, usually also has better high temperature resistance, mist tin crystal structure is more conducive to maintaining the integrity of the structure at high temperatures, reduce oxidation and deformation. Relatively bright tin is not easy to appear secondary melting, bright tin sometimes in the tin furnace will appear the appearance of melting tin layer.

Disadvantages: The coating surface is matte or fog effect, low gloss, relatively rough crystallization, easy to leave fingerprints, but also afraid of scratches, weldability is good, the cost is relatively high.

2. Generalized application scenario comparison

Bright tin plating is usually used for applications that require high gloss and aesthetics, and is suitable for applications that require increased surface reflection or focus on appearance quality, such as connectors in decorative parts or electronic products. At the same time, the coating of bright tin also has good electrical conductivity and welding performance, and is also suitable for occasions where high electrical conductivity and low contact resistance are required.

The surface of the mist tin is matte or mist effect, and there is no gloss like that of the bright tin. This coating is often used in applications that require reduced reflection or improved adhesion, such as parts in optical instruments, or decorative parts that require low gloss.

In summary, the choice of tinning process depends on the specific application requirements, such as aesthetics, electrical conductivity, weldability and the need to reduce surface reflection. When selecting the tinning process, the performance requirements and use environment of the final product should also be considered.