Umicore Sealing

Umicore Sealing is a post-treatment technology specifically designed for technical precious metal surfaces. This process creates a transparent protective layer with a thickness of only a few nanometers, effectively preventing tarnishing, discoloration, and corrosion depending on the application conditions.

In addition to its protective function, the coating also improves the operational properties of the product. Notably, the coefficient of friction is significantly reduced, thereby lowering insertion and withdrawal forces in electrical contact applications such as connectors.

Important electrical properties such as contact resistance are maintained at levels comparable to untreated surfaces. At the same time, subsequent processing operations such as soldering can still be carried out without negative effects.

The entire coating system is free from environmentally harmful substances such as solvents, CFCs, CHCs, hydrocarbons, or chromium compounds, ensuring environmental and biological safety.

Advantages

• Wide product range suitable for various technical applications
• Protection against corrosion, oxidation, discoloration, dirt, wear, and scratches
• Reduced insertion and withdrawal forces in contacts
• Applicable for both electrochemical and electroless processes
• Compatible with rack, barrel, and reel-to-reel systems
• Very short processing time
• Easy operation
• Free from environmentally hazardous substances
• No impact on the color and gloss of the final coating

Applications

• Plug connectors, including automotive applications
• Leadframes for semiconductor components
• Smart cards