Tri-metal plating
Tri-metal is a copper-tin-zinc alloy, plated in one layer at our Noida plant. It gives a white, non-magnetic, nickel-free finish used on RF connector bodies where passive intermodulation matters.
- Part
- Connector body, nut and pins
- Finish
- Tri-metal
What tri-metal is
Tri-metal is an alloy of copper, tin and zinc plated in one layer. A common composition is roughly 55% copper, 30% tin and 15% zinc. It has a bright, white, silver-like colour.
Why it is used on RF connectors
- Non-magnetic. Magnetic layers such as nickel can cause passive intermodulation (PIM), unwanted signals that interfere with mobile network equipment. Tri-metal avoids this, so it is used on connectors and parts in the RF path.
- Nickel-free. It suits parts that are handled, where nickel allergy is a concern.
- Tarnish-resistant. It keeps its appearance in storage and service better than silver.
- Hard and solderable. It stands up to handling and coupling, and can be soldered.
Centre contacts are usually silver or gold plated, with tri-metal on the outer body.
Copper underlayer
We plate tri-metal over a copper underlayer in most cases. The copper helps adhesion and levels the surface, and keeps the whole coating system non-magnetic.
What to put on your drawing or enquiry
- Base material and grade
- Tri-metal thickness in µm, and any underlayer
- Any PIM or salt spray requirement
- Areas to plate or mask
- Quantity per lot and expected yearly volume
Specifications
There is no single international standard for tri-metal. It is usually specified on the connector maker's own drawing or plating specification. Send yours with your drawing and we will confirm whether we can meet it.
Thickness measurement
Tri-metal thickness is measured on our Fischerscope XRF instrument, which does not damage the part.
Job work at our Noida plant
- Email us the drawing, the quantity and your plating requirements. We reply with questions or a quotation within 1–2 working days.
- Send the parts to our plant at B-29, Sector 8, Noida.
- We plate and inspect the parts as the job requires, with an XRF thickness report where the job calls for one. Finished parts are then ready for collection or dispatch, as agreed with you.
We work mainly with manufacturers in Delhi NCR and North India, and take suitable industrial job work from across India.
Parts we have tri-metal plated
Also consider
Email your drawing for a quote
Attach the drawing and include as much of this list as you can. The more you send, the fewer questions we need to ask before quoting.
- Drawing: PDF, DWG, DXF or STEP
- Base material and grade
- Finish, and thickness in µm
- Quantity per lot and yearly volume
- Areas to mask, if any
- Standard or customer specification