|
Characteristics |
Why This is Good For a Test Probe |
Specifications |
|
PdCo is very hard |
A hard surface finish decreases wear and increases durability |
Hard Gold hardness: Knoop 130-200 |
|
PdCo is slippery |
A low coefficient of friction makes the plunger motion smoother and makes it easier for foreign matter to slide off the surface of the plunger |
Hard Gold coefficient of friction: .60 |
|
PdCo has a small grain size |
It is less likely that a small grain size material will allow diffusion and the formation of intermetallic compounds |
Hard Au grain size: 200-250 Angstroms |
|
PdCo has low porosity |
Low porosity does not allow corrosion to penetrate the plating and damage the base metal |
Hard Gold porosity index: 3.7 |
|
PdCo has good ductility |
A ductile plated surface is less likely to crack under mechanical stresses |
Hard Gold: <3% elongation |
|
PdCo is thermally stable |
When exposed to elevated temperatures over time, the contact resistance stays consistent |
Hard Gold: up to 150 Degrees C |
|
Pd and Co have high melting points |
A plating material with a high melting point will inhibit diffusion and the formation of intermetallic compounds |
Gold melting point: 1,064 Degrees C |
|
PdCo is an alloy |
Alloys are good barriers to diffusion |
Hard Gold chemistry: almost 100% Au |
|
PdCo has surface oxides |
Surface oxides help deter solder adherence |
Palladium does not oxidize until 380 Degrees C and cobalt oxides are thin, self limiting and conductive |
