Why Are The Contacts Of Heavy-duty Connectors Plated With A Protective Metal Layer?

The contactor is a key component of the heavy duty electrical connectors contactor, serving as the direct channel for power and signal transmission. So what is the material of the contactor? Those unfamiliar with the heavy duty power connectors contactor might assume it's all copper. In fact, it's primarily composed of a copper alloy with a protective metal coating. You might ask why the heavy duty connector 24 pin contactor should be a copper alloy with a coating? Let me explain.

Why does the 16 pin heavy duty connector contactor use a copper alloy instead of all copper?

Of course, it's not because pure copper is more expensive. However, all copper has high conductivity and is flexible, while copper alloys have high strength, making them more suitable for the strength requirements of sockets.

Why is a protective metal layer plated on the 24 pin heavy duty connector contactor?

On one hand, copper alloys are prone to oxidation and corrosion during long-term use, but embedding inert metals like gold on the surface effectively protects the base metal of the 4 pin heavy duty connector contactor from corrosion. On the other hand, interlocking contactors experience micro-friction and wear in the working environment, resulting in minor mechanical damage upon insertion. The coating process strengthens the contact surface, improves wear resistance, and maintains the long-term stability of the mechanical and electrical properties of the 6 pin heavy duty connector contactor.