New Super APT coating for spring contacts

Increased reliability and corrosion resistance for spring contacts

We are expanding our offerings for spring contacts to the new Super-APT coatingThe further developed surface coating improves resistance to electrolytic processes and thus increases the long-term reliability of electrical connections – especially in applications with moisture, hand perspiration or salty air.

The coating is based on our proven technology. Super AP Technology and was specifically developed for applications with high demands on corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. In comparative tests, we were able to demonstrate the Electrolysis resistance time from Increase from 60 minutes to 90 minutes.

In addition to improved durability, the Super-APT coating offers further technical properties:

• Contact impedance < 50 mΩ
• Saltwater resistance up to 168 hours
• Perspiration resistance for up to 168 hours
• high surface hardness of 400 HV
• nickel-free coating process

This makes the coating particularly suitable for Spring contacts in demanding environments, for example in docking and charging connections, magnetic connectors, industrial handheld operating devices and test and inspection equipment.

In harsh industrial environments, reliability, service life, and predictable total cost of ownership are paramount for buyers and developers of connectors. With the new Super-APT special coating for spring contacts, we specifically address the risk of electrolytic corrosion and increasing contact resistance – a crucial lever for reducing failure risks and sustainably lowering the total cost of ownership of devices.

Why coatings are crucial for spring contacts

Spring contacts – also known as Pogo pins These connectors are used wherever compact designs, high mating cycles, and a permanently stable electrical connection are required. Typical applications include docking stations, charging ports, magnetic connectors, and industrial operating devices.

However, in many of these applications Environmental factors such as humidity, hand perspiration, or salty air on the contact surfaces. In combination with the multi-layered metallic structure of a spring contact, this can promote galvanic corrosion processes.

When metals with different electrochemical properties meet under the influence of moisture, a so-called electrochemical reaction occurs. galvanic cellThe less noble metal becomes the anode and begins to corrode, while the more noble metal acts as the cathode. This can result in increased contact resistance and reduced reliability of the electrical connection.

The coating of the contacts also plays a crucial role. Gold is frequently used because it has very good conductivity and hardly oxidizes. However, since gold is an expensive material, standard coatings are often very thin. At the same time, the typical Relative movements of the contact surfaces Contact can cause mechanical stress on the surface. This can create microscopic defects through which moisture can penetrate to underlying nickel or copper layers.