Materials

The optimum performance of spring contact probes significantly depends on the selection and combination of materials and platings. Developing, testing and qualifying materials for the various applications is an important aspect of our research and development efforts.

[Translate to Englisch:] Grundmaterial Kupfer

Copper-Beryllium

excellent mechanical properties with high electrical conductivity
Application as plunger material or contact element in many products, especially in the field of basic- and high current probes
Springs can be made from it

[Translate to Englisch:] Grundmaterial Stahl

Steel

significantly harder than BeCu
is used for plungers with aggressive tip styles or for high durability requirements

[Translate to Englisch:] Grundmaterial Palladium

Palladium Alloy

is used as a base material for plungers
high hardness makes it very robust, additional coating is not necessary

show all basic materials

Plating materials

The surfaces of all individual parts of the spring contact probes are usually coated by galvanic processes. The base materials are thus protected against corrosion. In the assembled spring contact probe, the coating also ensures low friction and thus low wear as well as low contact resistances.

FEINMETALL achieves optimum properties through an ideal selection of coating sequences, coating thicknesses, coating alloys as well as various accompanying processes.

[Translate to Englisch:] Beschichtungswerkstoff galvanischer Nickel

Galvanic nickel

Good chemical resistance
Hardness: 300–600 HV
good ductility (formability) and excellent adhesion to the base material
Nickel also prevents the base material from migrating into the precious metal surface and contaminating it and leads to a high temperature stability and life time.

[Translate to Englisch:] Beschichtungswerkstoff chemisches Nickel

Chemical nickel

very good chemical resistance, and still not brittle
Hardness: 400–1100 HV
is ideally suited for aggressive tip styles due to its high contour fidelity and wear resistance