Abstract: A terminal material in which galvanic corrosion is not occurred using a copper or copper alloy base material as a terminal crimped to an end part of an electrical wire formed from an aluminum wire material: an intermediate zinc layer 4 formed from zinc or zinc alloy and a tin layer 5 formed from tin or tin alloy are layered in this order on a base material 2 formed from copper or copper alloy; the intermediate zinc layer 4 has a thickness of 0.1 ?m to 5.0 ?m inclusive and a zinc concentration equal to or more than 5 mass %; and the tin layer 5 has a zinc concentration of 0.4 mass % to 15 mass % inclusive and a grain size of the tin layer 5 is 0.1 ?m to 3.0 ?m inclusive preferably.

Abstract: The image capturing device includes an optical system that focuses lights from an object to generate optical information, a filter provided near a diaphragm position of the optical system, the filter having a plurality of types of spectral characteristics, a sensor that converts the optical information of the object to electronic data, the sensor providing a plurality of spectral transmittance values that sequentially and spatially change, and a lens array having a plurality of lenses being arranged in substantially parallel in a direction of a two-dimensional surface of the sensor.

Abstract: A method for producing a Cu—Sn layer and an Sn-based surface layer are formed in this order on the surface of a Cu-based substrate through an Ni-based base layer, and the Cu—Sn layer is composed of a Cu3Sn layer arranged on the Ni-based base layer and a Cu6Sn5 layer arranged on the Cu3Sn layer; the Cu—Sn layer obtained by bonding the Cu3Sn layer and the Cu6Sn5 layer is provided with recessed and projected portions on the surface which is in contact with the Sn-based surface layer; thicknesses of the recessed portions are set to 0.05 ?m to 1.5 ?m, the area coverage of the Cu3Sn layer with respect to the Ni-based base layer is 60% or higher, and the ratio of the thicknesses of the projected portions to the thicknesses of the recessed portions in the Cu—Sn layer is 1.2 to 5.

Abstract: Tin-plated copper-alloy material for terminal having: a substrate made of Cu or Cu alloy; an Sn-based surface layer formed on a surface of the substrate; and a Cu—Ni—Sn alloy layer including Ni formed between the Sn-based surface layer and the substrate, in which the Cu—Ni—Sn alloy layer is made of: fine Cu—Ni—Sn alloy particles; and coarse Cu—Ni—Sn alloy particles, an average thickness of the Sn-based surface layer is not less than 0.2 ?m and not more than 0.6 ?m, an area ratio of the Cu—Ni—Sn alloy layer exposed at a surface of the Sn-based surface layer is not less than 10% and not more than 40%, and a coefficient of kinetic friction of the tin-plated copper-alloy material for terminal is not more than 0.3.

Abstract: A reflow Sn plated material, comprising: a substrate consisting of Cu or a Cu base alloy, and a reflow Sn layer formed on the surface of the substrate, wherein an orientation index of a (101) plane on the surface of the reflow Sn layer is from 2.0 or more to 5.0 or less.

Abstract: A connector terminal, fabricated from a metallic material for connector which material has a tin or tin alloy layer, formed on a copper or copper alloy base material, wherein the thickness of the tin or tin alloy layer at a contact site on the surface of the terminal is smaller than the thickness of the tin or tin alloy layer in the areas other than the contact site, and a copper-tin alloy layer is formed as an under layer of the tin or tin alloy layer at the contact site; and a connector terminal, fabricated from a metallic material for connector which material has a copper or copper alloy base material, wherein a copper-tin alloy layer is formed in a spot shape at a contact site on the surface of the terminal, and a tin or tin alloy layer is formed in the remaining areas on the surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a Cu—Sn layer and an Sn-based surface layer are formed in this order on the surface of a Cu-based substrate through an Ni-based base layer, and the Cu—Sn layer is composed of a Cu3Sn layer arranged on the Ni-based base layer and a Cu6Sn5 layer arranged on the Cu3Sn layer; the Cu—Sn layer obtained by bonding the Cu3Sn layer and the Cu6Sn5 layer is provided with recessed and projected portions on the surface which is in contact with the Sn-based surface layer; thicknesses of the recessed portions are set to 0.05 ?m to 1.5 ?m, the area coverage of the Cu3Sn layer with respect to the Ni-based base layer is 60% or higher, and the ratio of the thicknesses of the projected portions to the thicknesses of the recessed portions in the Cu—Sn layer is 1.2 to 5.

Abstract: In an Sn-plated strip in which a copper alloy containing 15 to 40 mass % of Zn in terms of an average concentration is used as an alloy strip and the layers of an Sn phase, an Sn—Cu alloy phase and an Ni phase constitute a plating film from the surface to the alloy strip, the Zn concentration of the surface of the Sn phase is adjusted to a range of 0.1 to 5.0 mass %. The alloy may further contain 0.005 to 3.0 mass % in total of an arbitrary constituent selected from Sn, Ag, Pb, Fe, Ni, Mn, Si, Al and Ti. Moreover, the alloy may be a copper base alloy containing 15 to 40 mass % of Zn, 8 to 20 mass % of Ni, 0 to 0.5 mass % of Mn and a balance of Cu and unavoidable impurities, and may further contain 0.005 to 10 mass % in total of the above arbitrary constituent. There is provided a Cu/Ni double layer base reflowed Sn-plated Cu—Zn alloy strip in which generation of whiskers is suppressed.

Abstract: Methods for the electrolytic preparation of tin coated metals are disclosed. Organic polybasic acids, such as methanedisulfonic acid [CH2(SO3H)2], 1,3-acetonedisulfonic acid [CO(CH2SO3H)2], anhydrides, and their water soluble salts, and mixtures thereof may be used as the electrolyte in the plating process or as the flux in the reflow process. Acetone, gamma-butyrolactone, or a mixture thereof, may be applied to a tin plated surface, either before or after reflow. The methods of the invention produce plated material that is free of blue haze.

Abstract: In Sn-plated copper or a Sn-plated copper alloy according to the present invention, a surface plating layer including a Ni layer, a Cu—Sn alloy layer, and a Sn layer which are deposited in this order is formed on a surface of a base material made of copper or a copper alloy. An average thickness of the Ni layer is 0.1 to 1.0 ?m, an average thickness of the Cu—Sn alloy layer is 0.55 to 1.0 ?m, and an average thickness of the Sn layer is 0.2 to 1.0 ?m. The Cu—Sn alloy layer includes Cu—Sn alloy layers having two compositions, a portion thereof in contact with the Ni layer is formed of an ?-phase having an average thickness of 0.5 to 0.95 ?m, and a portion thereof in contact with the Sn layer is formed of a ?-phase having an average thickness of 0.05 to 0.2 ?m.

Abstract: A metallic material for a connecting part, having a rectangular wire material of copper or a copper alloy as a base material, and formed at an outermost surface thereof, a copper-tin alloy layer substantially composed of copper and tin, wherein the copper-tin alloy layer of the outermost surface further contains at least one selected from the group consisting of zinc, indium, antimony, gallium, lead, bismuth, cadmium, magnesium, silver, gold, and aluminum, in a total amount of 0.01% or more and 1% or less in terms of mass ratio with respect to the content of the tin.

Abstract: To provide a solder-plating film which has good solder wettability and with which discoloration and twisting of the tin film after heat treatment are prevented. A method and a solution for surface treating a tin film are disclosed. The aqueous solution contains specific compounds and is brought into contact with a tin-plating film before reflow treatment of the tin film.

Abstract: Plated steel sheet comprised of steel sheet having a tin alloy layer on it, which is characterized by (i) having free tin distributed on the tin alloy layer in a 5 to 97% area rate and further (ii) having a chemically treated layer having phosphate in an amount of 1.0 to 5.0 mg/m2 in terms of P and tin oxide in an amount of 0.3 to 4.0 mC/cm2 in terms of electricity necessary for reduction, formed on the tin alloy layer and free tin.

Abstract: A plated material 5, containing: on a conductive substrate 1, an underlayer 2 composed of nickel and the like; an intermediate layer 3 composed of Cu or a Cu alloy being provided thereon; and an outermost layer 4 composed of a Cu—Sn intermetallic compound being provided thereon; and an electric or electronic part using the same.

Abstract: In Sn-plated copper or a Sn-plated copper alloy according to the present invention, a surface plating layer including a Ni layer, a Cu—Sn alloy layer, and a Sn layer which are deposited in this order is formed on a surface of a base material made of copper or a copper alloy. An average thickness of the Ni layer is 0.1 to 1.0 ?m, an average thickness of the Cu—Sn alloy layer is 0.55 to 1.0 ?m, and an average thickness of the Sn layer is 0.2 to 1.0 ?m. The Cu—Sn alloy layer includes Cu—Sn alloy layers having two compositions, a portion thereof in contact with the Ni layer is formed of an ?-phase having an average thickness of 0.5 to 0.95 ?m, and a portion thereof in contact with the Sn layer is formed of a ?-phase having an average thickness of 0.05 to 0.2 ?m.

Abstract: A cable or a cable receptacle and a method of forming same are disclosed. The cable lug or cable receptacle has a flat part and a tube portion integrally formed together as one piece. The flat part has opposing surfaces which abut against each other. The flat part and the tube portion are plated with tin such that an integral bond is established between the abutting surfaces of the flat part.

Abstract: Methods and articles are disclosed. The methods are directed to depositing nickel duplex layers on substrates to inhibit tin and tin alloy surface oxidation and improve solderability of the substrates.

Abstract: The invention refers to a composition and method of electrolytic tinning in continuous a steel strip or plate with an electrolyte composition comprising the following components (g/l): Tin (in a form of tin sulfamate) 50-90, Sulfamic acid, free 40-100, Sulfates, in a form of SO42-0-15, Nitrogen-bearing block polymer 1-6, said block polymer being a copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide with molecular weight of 3950 to 6450 and “number of ethylene oxide links-to-number of propylene oxide links” ratio of 1.4-1.2:1.0 at initial buildup of required number of links from propylene oxide followed by oxyethylation.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a tin-plated film and a method for producing the same, capable of preventing whiskers from being generated and simultaneously preventing the surface of a substrate to be plated, which is not covered with a tin-plated film, from discoloring due to oxidation, by which prevention of whisker generation, suppression of whisker growth, and prevention of discoloring of a substrate to be plated are compatible with simplified operations ensuring excellent productivity. The method is provided with the steps of removing a part of a tin-plated film formed on copper or copper alloy; processing to prevent discoloring of the copper or copper alloy from which the tin-plated film is removed; and applying heat energy to the tin-plated film of the copper or copper alloy which is processed to prevent discoloring.

Abstract: An acid electrolyte and method of using the electrolyte to both deposit tin and tin-alloys on iron containing substrates and at the same time perform as a flux to inhibit the formation of haze and stains on the tin and tin-alloys. The electrolytes and methods are suitable for plating on steel.

Abstract: A wavelength correction function provides corrected reflectance values from actual reflectance values taken in a reflectance-base instrument. The correction is provided as a function of measured reflectance values and a predefined set of high resolution reflectance values established for the reflectance-based instrument implementing the wavelength correction function.

Abstract: A plated material reduces insertion and withdrawal forces when used in a connector. A terminal member for a connector and a connector therewith are also provided. The plated material comprises a substrate 3 made of Cu or a Cu alloy and a metal plating layer 6 formed on the surface of the substrate 3. A soft region 6A spreading in a network-shape and a hard region 6B surrounded by the network of the soft region 6A coexists in the metal plating layer 6. The soft region 6A has a Vickers hardness of 20 to 250, while the hard region 6B has a Vickers hardness of 60 to 700, which is at least 30 higher than that of the soft region 6A. An average size of the network of the soft region 6A is from 5 to 500 ?m.

Abstract: A method of determining one or more color characteristics of a colored microsphere comprising: providing a microarray of microspheres, at least one of which has a color characteristic; capturing the microarray with an electronic color image sensor assembly having a matrix of pixels to produce an electronic microarray image; detecting the location of a microsphere within the captured microarray image; and identifying a color characteristic of the detected microsphere.

Abstract: A plated copper alloy material for connecting terminals is provided which comprises a parent material of copper or copper alloy, a nickel layer and a copper-tin alloy layer. The nickel layer has a thickness of 0.1-1.0 ?m. The copper-tin alloy layer has a thickness of 0.1-1.0 ?m and contains 35-75 at % of copper. The material may additionally have a tin layer no thicker than 0.5 ?m for an engaging type terminal containing 0.001-0.1 mass % of carbon, or thicker than 0.5 ?m for a non-engaging type connector. The material meets requirements for capability of insertion with a small force, good electric reliability (due to low contact resistance) in a high-temperature atmosphere, workability for sharp bending without cracking, good solder wettability and good corrosion resistance to sulfur dioxide gas.

Abstract: An external terminal of an electronic component is provided with a lead base material and a metal thin film coating a surface of the lead base material, and an average value of a crystal size index is not less than 7, which is defined based on dimensions of a crystal particle in a direction perpendicular to the lead base material surface and in a direction parallel thereto, taken on a cut surface of the metal thin film defined by a given plane cutting the metal thin film in a direction perpendicular to the lead base material surface. Such constitution provides an electronic component having an external terminal coated with a metal thin film of a simple structure constituted of Sn or a Sn-based and substantially Pb-free alloy, formed by plating on a surface of a lead base material.

Abstract: A tin layer and a zinc layer are stacked sequentially on a given substrate to form a multilayered film composed of the tin layer and the zinc layer. Then, the multilayered film is heated to a given temperature to form a tin-zinc alloy film through the diffusion of the tin elements of the tin layer into the zinc layer.

Abstract: A plated copper alloy material for connecting terminals is provided which comprises a parent material of copper or copper alloy, a nickel layer and a copper-tin alloy layer. The nickel layer has a thickness of 0.1-1.0 &mgr;m. The copper-tin alloy layer has a thickness of 0.1-1.0 &mgr;m and contains 35-75 at % of copper. The material may additionally have a tin layer no thicker than 0.5 &mgr;m for an engaging type terminal containing 0.001-0.1 mass % of carbon, or thicker than 0.5 &mgr;m for a non-engaging type connector. The material meets requirements for capability of insertion with a small force, good electric reliability (due to low contact resistance) in a high-temperature atmosphere, workability for sharp bending without cracking, good solder wettability and good corrosion resistance to sulfur dioxide gas.

Abstract: Ni alloy or Cu alloy containing P and/or B is plated on a base metal consisting of Cu or Cu alloy as an intermediate layer, Sn or Sn alloy is further plated on the content of P or B in the plating layer is limited by carrying out reflow treatment, whereby, heat resistance and insertion and withdrawal properties are improved.

Abstract: An anode of a cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprises a nickel-iron alloy substrate having an openly porous nickel metal rich outer portion whose surface is electrochemically active. The outer portion is optionally covered with an external integral nickel-iron oxide containing surface layer which adheres to the nickel metal rich outer portion of the nickel-iron alloy and which in use is pervious to molten electrolyte. During use, the nickel metal rich outer portion contains cavities some or all of which are partly or completely filled with iron and nickel compounds, in particular oxides, fluorides and oxyfluorides.

Abstract: Bumps are formed by means of uniform plating in which air can be easily discharged.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition for use as a flux material in a tinplating process, which comprises an aqueous solution of one or more hydroxy phenyl compounds of general formula (I), wherein M=a cationic species, preferably H, substituted or unsubstituted ammonium, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or tin; R=H, C1-C6 linear or branched alkyl, alkoxyl or alkenyl, or aryl (which may be substituted); m=2 or 3; n=0, 1 or 2, the composition containing from about 0.1 g/1 to saturation of said compound of general formula (I). There is also disclosed a process for treating matte tinplate and a process for tinplating using such composition.

Abstract: A continuous plating system which is horizontal, allows for submersion of the entire article to be plated, and is useful for alloy plating. The invention provides a link/hinge conveyor system, the conveyor acts as the conductor, numerous processes/baths are possible, and difficult to plate alloys, such as a tin/bismuth plate can be produced. Homogeneous alloys are possible with the present invention. Also disclosed are novel dryer, rinse and reflow systems for use with the continuous plating system.

Abstract: A process for the production of copper or a copper base alloy that provides a surface having improved characteristics suitable for the production of a connector or a charging-socket of an electric automobile by having a decreased coefficient of friction on the surface and improved resistance to abrasion. The process comprises coating copper or a copper alloy with Sn, followed by heat treating the resulting Sn-plated copper or copper base in an atmosphere having an oxygen content of no more than 5%, thereby forming on an outermost surface thereof an oxide film and beneath the surface a layer of an intermetallic compound mainly comprising Cu—Sn.

Abstract: A tin coated electrical or electronic component has enhanced resistance to oxidation and tarnishing as well a smaller increase in contact resistance when exposed to elevated temperatures. These benefits are achieved by depositing a relatively thin, on the order of 5-50 angstroms thick, layer of zinc on the tin coating prior to heating. A subsequent step of heating the sample to a temperature and time effective to convert all free tin to an intermetallic imparts the additional advantage of reducing the coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the adhesion of organic polymer coatings to electrolytically passivated (CDC) tin-plated steel strip. The method includes applying a solution comprising 0.1 to 7 percent of an adhesion promoter to the electrolytically tin-plated strip during the processing of the strip on an electrolytic tin-plating line. The adhesion promoter may be at least one selected from the group consisting of: where n is within a range of from 4 to 99; (b) C16H33+N(CH3) 3 M where M is member of the halogen group; and (c) Rn—Si—(X)4−n where R is a non-hydrolyzable organic radical selected from the group consisting of glycol, epoxy, amine, diamine or mercapto groups, and mixtures thereof, containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms; the number n is an integer from 1 to 3; and X is a hydrolyzable group selected from the group consisting of Cl—, OCH3, OCH2CH5, OOCCH3, OCH2OCH3, amine, diamine, triamine, acyloxy and alkoxysilanes, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Methods for forming pastes of powder particles coated with an electrically conductive coating are described. The powder particles, with or without an optional first conductive coating layer applied to their surface, are placed in contact with a cathode surface and immersed in an electroplating solution. An anode covered with a nonconducting but ion-permeable membrane is immersed in the solution in close proximity to the cathode. Agitation to move and gently tumble the powder over the cathode surface is provided. The powder particles are plated with a metal or metal alloy coating by biasing the anode with a positive voltage relative to the cathode. The coated powder is removed, rinsed and dried. The powder is added to a polymer material to form a paste which is heated to fuse the powder coating surfaces to form a network of interconnected particles and is further heated to cure the polymer.

Abstract: A process to decrease the strength of an electric field produced by a high voltage conductive path on a printed circuit board and printed circuit assembly using same includes the steps of coating the upper side (5) of the conductive path or track (1) with a thick layer of electrically conductive coating material (4); and reflowing so that the upper edges (8, 9) of the track (1) are also covered with a relatively thick layer of coating material. The track (1) is thus embedded in a mass of coating material having more or less a rounded-shaped cross-section and the sharp upper edges (8, 9) of this track, where a strong electrical field is generally produced, are smoothed. As a result, the strength of the electrical field around the track (1) is reduced. In a preferred embodiment, a second track (13) similar to the first track (1) is created symmetrically thereto on the opposite surface (14) of the printed circuit board (3).

Abstract: An electrodeposition bath for depositing a Sn alloy onto a Cu substrate containing a Zn salt. This bath is particularly useful for Pb free alloy, such as a Sn--Bi alloy. The presence of Zn in the elctrodeposition bath greatly influence the bath behaviour and the characteristics of the deposited alloy, even if no Zn is codeposited on the Cu substrate.

Abstract: A soldering method for soldering electronic components onto a copper (Cu) substrate using a tin (Sn) solder alloy. The method comprises in pretreating the Cu substrate by depositing a thin layer of zinc (Zn) before the deposition of the Sn solder alloy. This method greatly enhances the mechanical and electrical properties of the solder alloy, allowing the use of lead (Pb) free alloys such as tin-bismuth (Sn--Bi).

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a reflow-plated member, which comprises a process for forming a plated layer of Sn or Sn alloy on the surface of a base material, at least the surface of which is formed of Cu or Cu alloy, by electroplating, and a process for running the base material at a traveling speed equivalent to 80% to 90% of the lowest traveling speed that said plated layer does not melt when the base material is continuously run for reflowing in a heating furnace at a predetermined temperature. The obtained reflow-plated member is excellent in any of properties including solderability, heat resistance, bendability, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A solder bump 3a is formed on an electrode 2 provided on a printed circuit board 1. First, a core 3 is formed on the electrode 2. Then, solder paste 3' is coated on the core 3 so as to cover an entire surface of the core 3. Subsequently, the solder paste 3' is heated until the solder paste 3' fuses together with the core 3, thereby forming the bump 3a on the electrode 2.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrical interconnect on a substrate. At least one pad (14) is formed on a substrate (11). The pad (14) is formed having a non-wetting surface (12) and a wettable surface (13). Photoresist (44) is patterned on a substrate (41) forming a cavity on a pad (46) leaving a non-wetting surface (42) and a wettable surface (43) exposed. Interconnect material (56) is formed on a non-wetting surface (52) and a wettable surface (53) of pad 57. Interconnect material (56) is reflowed forming an interconnect ball (74) on a wettable surface (73). Surface tension causes interconnect material (56) when reflowed to flow from a non-wetting surface (72) to the wettable surface (73) and ball up to form the interconnect ball (74).

Abstract: This sheet metal comprises a substrate (12) made of stainless steel containing more than 16% of chromium in its weight composition, coated with a metal layer (16) containing chiefly tin. Between the metal layer (16) and the substrate (12) the sheet metal comprises a layer (14) of an intermetallic compound containing at least iron, chromium and tin. To manufacture this sheet metal, a layer (16) of metallic coating containing chiefly tin is deposited by an electrolytic route on a sheet (12) made of stainless steel. The coated sheet metal is heated to a temperature above the melting temperature of the coating layer (16) to permit the formation of the intermetallic compound. The heating is maintained for a sufficient period for the surface of the coating layer (16) to have a matt appearance.

Abstract: An improved process for reflowing tinplate by treating a matte finish of tinplate with a flux, and reflowing the fluxed matte tinplate to produce bright tinplate, wherein the flux is a naphthalenesulfonic compound, preferably having the a naphthalene ring which is substituted with at least one --SO.sub.3 M group where M is hydrogen, an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal and is optionally substituted with at least one hydroxy group. The flux is preferably applied to the matte tinplate in an aqueous solution which may contain an acid. The most preferred fluxes are 2-naphthol-6,8-disulfonic acid, 1-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid, and dipotassium 2-naphthol-6,8-disulfonate.

Abstract: A copolyester film was laminated onto a steel sheet, this sheet having double layers consisting of a lower layer of metallic chromium and an upper layer of hydrated chromium oxide on a tin plated steel sheet in which 5 to 40% of the surface of the steel sheet is covered with plated tin and the remainder of the steel surface is exposed and the space between plated tin particles is 0.5 to 50 .mu.m, and a method for production of this copolyester resin film laminated steel sheet which comprises: (a) electroplating with tin under restricted conditions, (b) formation of said double layer on the plated tin and exposed steel surface and (c) lamination of the copolyester resin film at a temperature above the melting temperature of tin.

Abstract: A method of applying a metallic coating to metallic sealing and/or threaded regions of steel pipes which are under high pressure per unit of surface by a pretreatment of the surface to be coated which consists of a cleaning and degreasing and an electrolytic deposition of a layer of tin by a first heat treatment at a temperature between about 150.degree. and about 200.degree. C. and a second brief heat treatment above the melting point of tin with subsequent cooling is provided. A metallic coating which is formed using said method is also provided.

Abstract: Composite-coated flat-rolled steel, product, method of manufacture and method of fabrication in which single or double-reduced low-carbon steel, after surface preparation, is flash-coated with tin (about 0.05 #/bb) which is alloyed with the base metal. Dichromate treatment passivates the tin-iron alloy surfaces depositing a chrome oxide layer prior to application of an organic coating (about 3 to 15 mg/in.sup.2 to each surface). Enhanced coating adhesion of the organic coating enables draw-processing of the double-reduced steel base metal substrate into unitary can bodies without damage to coating or substrate.

Abstract: A method for providing an abrasive layer on the surface of a turbine engine component is described. The method includes application of several layers of nickel; one layer includes abrasive particulates. The layer has good bond strength and has a thin cross section, thereby minimizing any effect on the fatigue strength of the component.