English Amiga Board - View Single Post

prowler · 21 March 2009, 21:51

Hi PowerPie,

I guess this is because the RF shield is not chromium plated, as it might appear when new, but tin plated. Tin plate is used because it's marginally softer than chromium plate and won't be so likely to peel from the base metal, which can be a problem with chromium plating.

Tin isn't quite so inert as chromium, so is less resistant to tarnishing. Of course, the shield might well be solid tin, but I don't think it can be because tin is actually very expensive.

A better (and more cost-effective) solution these days would probably be nickel plating.

prowler

21 March 2009, 21:51	#2
prowler Global Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sidcup, England Posts: 10,300	Hi PowerPie, I guess this is because the RF shield is not chromium plated, as it might appear when new, but tin plated. Tin plate is used because it's marginally softer than chromium plate and won't be so likely to peel from the base metal, which can be a problem with chromium plating. Tin isn't quite so inert as chromium, so is less resistant to tarnishing. Of course, the shield might well be solid tin, but I don't think it can be because tin is actually very expensive. A better (and more cost-effective) solution these days would probably be nickel plating. prowler