Until now, cadmium was the most commonly used surface treatment on sockets and collars of MIL-DTL-38999 series III connectors for aeronautic and military applications. RoHS directives now restrict its use and promote more environmentally friendly solutions. In the MIL-DTL 38999 series III range, Souriau teams have industrialised the zinc nickel plate process - which has already been used for many years in other markets. These processes have the advantage of being more cost effective than other solutions, more established and, above all, they allow qualified products to adhere to a standard. With this zinc nickel plate, the entire performance of the 38999 series III Cadmium range is preserved, which means it can withstand salt spray for 500 hours, while maintaining the same mechanical properties, electrical characteristics, plate performance and contact density. The zinc nickel plate is more opaque and coloured black - important characteristics for military applications. Zinc nickel connectors in the 38999 series III range withstand temperatures between -65 and +200°C. The zinc nickel protection conforms to ASTM standard B841 in terms of salt spray resistance up to 500 hours and its non-reflecting black colouring. The 38999 series I and series II ranges from Souriau are on course for qualification and will also soon be available in a zinc nickel version in the coming weeks. Souriau achieved ISO14001 certification in 2000 and continues to invest in process engineering control that offers technological solutions that respect the environment.

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