Until now, cadmium was the most commonly used surface treatment on sockets and collars of MIL-DTL-38999 series connectors for aeronautic and military applications. RoHS directives now restrict its use and promote more environmentally friendly solutions. In the MIL-DTL 38999 series range, Souriau teams have industrialized 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 Cadmium range is preserved, which means it can withstand salt spray for 500 hours, while maintaining the same mechanical properties and 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 withstand temperatures between -65 und +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. In addition the Zinc Nickel finish is up to now the sole plating available which is still electrical compatible with already existing Cadmium equipments.

The full 38999 line (Series I, II and III) of Souriau is now QPL qualified (plating code Z) and is fully industrialised. Souriau achieved ISO 14001 certification in 2001 and continues to invest in process engineering control that offers technological solutions that respect the environment.