HARD GOLD  (NIAU)

The main difference between hard and chemical gold is the hardness of the electrolytic plated gold. It has a hardness of 130-200 knoop and a purity of 24 karat (99,7+%). What makes it hard is the trace addition of nickel and cobalt. Nickel-gold alloys can be selectively or entirely applied on the board. Because gold is a noble metal it has also a higher resistance against corrosion and oxidation.

To prevent mechanical wear hard gold can be applied on sliding contacts. Therefore in case of edge connectors, we recommend to use the hard gold finishing.

Other advantages:

• Anticorrosive.
• Anti-galling.
• Durability.
• Appearance.
• Bondable with gold wire.
• Can be used as edge-resist and with mixed technology.
• Planar.
• Good electrical conductivity.