Protect SMT Placement Connectors from Solder Smoke Corrosion

MS27505 Military Connectors Series Overview

Protecting SMT Placement Equipment Connectors from Solder Smoke Corrosion

Solder smoke from SMT placement and reflow processes contains sulfides, chlorides, and other corrosive byproducts that can degrade connector performance over time. Selecting the right connector materials and adding simple protective measures helps maintain reliable electrical contact and extends equipment uptime.

Key Material Selection for Corrosion Resistance

For connectors exposed to solder smoke, the housing material and contact plating are the primary factors determining long-term reliability.

• PBT shell material: High-temperature resistant engineering plastic with heat resistance up to 150°C, suitable for the thermal environment near soldering processes.
• Gold-plated contacts (thickness ≥3μm): Gold plating resists corrosion from sulfides and chlorides present in solder smoke, preserving low contact resistance.
• Service life comparison: Gold-plated connectors can last over 3 years in solder smoke environments, whereas ordinary nickel-plated connectors typically last only 1–2 years before performance degrades.

Additional Protection Measures

In high-concentration smoke environments, material selection alone may not be sufficient. Installing a dust cover on unmated connectors reduces the entry of airborne pollutants and slows the accumulation of corrosive deposits on contact surfaces.

Application Note

The XS series connectors with PBT housing and gold-plated contacts are designed for such industrial environments. When evaluating connectors for SMT equipment, verify the actual operating temperature near the connector location and the expected smoke concentration to confirm the derating requirements for your specific application.

For related connector options suitable for industrial equipment, see the 12G Series Circular Connectors or review the Push-Pull B Series Connectors for 24-Hour Production Lines for additional application guidance.