What is BS 6137 - Electroplated coatings of tin/lead alloys about?
BS 6137 is a British Standard that specifies requirements for electroplated coatings of tin/lead alloys with a nominal composition of 60 % of tin and actual tin content in the range 55 % to 70 % by mass of tin. These coatings are intended for use on ferrous and non-ferrous basis metals and also on printed circuit boards. The main aim of BS 6137 is to provide best industry specifications for tin/lead alloys for electroplating to achieve adequate corrosion protection of the metal substrates.
A classification scheme is included by which the nature of the basis metal and the coating composition can be defined, and which also contains provision for flow-melting and bright deposited coatings.
BS 6137 specifies no requirements for the condition, finish, or surface roughness of the basis material before electroplating.
Note: Attention is drawn to BS 9760, which specifies the capability approval procedure and rules for printed circuits of assessed quality.
Note: BS 6137 does not apply to:
- Threaded components (see BS 3382-5)
- Tin/lead coated copper wire (see BS 4393)
- Bearing overlays
- Terne plate
- Electroplating of steels with tensile strengths greater than 1000 MPa.
Who is BS 6137 - Electroplated coatings of tin/lead alloys for?
BS 6137 on electroplated coatings of tin/lead alloys is useful for:
- Metallic coating manufacturers
- Printed circuit board manufacturers
- Manufacturers of machines and equipment
- Product design engineers
- Companies providing electroplating solutions
- Mechanical and chemical engineers
- Industries including but not limited to aerospace, food manufacturing, medical, military and defence
Why should you use BS 6137 - Electroplated coatings of tin/lead alloys?
Tin/lead plating consists of the co-deposition of a layer of tin and leads onto a base part. A wide variety of tin-lead alloy compositions are used depending on the application and desired properties of the final product. Overall, electroplating with tin/lead alloys are an excellent choice when it comes to ensuring adequate corrosion protection and electrical conductivity.
BS 6137 provides you with the coating classifications, sampling, heat treatment of steel, and coating requirements for the electroplated coatings of tin/lead alloys.
BS 6137 specifies the information to be supplied by the purchaser to the manufacturer and electroplater.
Thus, the guidance in BS 6137 can help you improve the quality, performance and service-life of electroplated coated tin/lead alloy components.