The Purposes of Coating Wire and Common Types of Coatings
Synopsis:
If electrical wiring serves one primary purpose, how can you improve a wire’s performance when durability, corrosion resistance, solderability, and cost are considered?
In this white paper, we’ll compare the desirable properties of wire for uncoated copper, copper-covered steel, high-strength alloys, and stainless steel wire. We’ll discuss the purposes of coating wire and the three most common types of conductive coating used in manufacturing today.
Finally, we’ll review the benefits of tinning as a conductor coating and which type of tinning is best for the wire type required in various applications.
Common Types of Conductive Coatings
Wire coatings are chosen based on the properties they impart to the base wire. Below are some common types of conductive coating:
- Tinning provides an improvement in the operating temperature range, water resistance, and mechanical strength of bare copper wire
- Nickel coating’s primary purpose is to extend the operating temperature range of affordable bare wire
- Silver coating can greatly improve the conductivity of wire materials other than copper and also improves the operating temperature range of bare wire
Why Choose Tinning?
Tinning copper wire imparts desirable characteristics to bare copper wire:
- Soldering improvement
- Operating temperature range improvement
- Water and general corrosion resistance
- Good crimp terminability
- Affordability
Download now to learn more about the use of tinning as a wire coating through detailed tables!
