James/Pat-
        Soldering to nickel is one of those "fun" activities in 
     electronics! You can solder to nickel but will need a very active flux 
     which if not properly removed will lead to corrosion problems. What is 
     the problem with the tin over copper finish you are currently 
     receiving? If you are having solderability problems with it, 
     investigate the tin plating thickness, if it is too thin the copper 
     will diffuse through the tin plating and make an copper/tin oxide 
     which can cause soldering problems. I would not use the nickel/brass 
     unless you put a solderable finish (e.g. gold, palladium) over the 
     nickel. We use low residue flux processes and the flux activity 
     required for a nickel finish would not be compatible.
     
     
     
     Dave Hillman
     Rockwell Collins
     [log in to unmask]
     


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: ASSY:  Soldering to Nickel
Author:  [log in to unmask] at ccmgw1
Date:    5/8/96 5:40 PM


We are facing a shortage of an IEC input connector which is 
wave soldered into our board.  The pins are tin plating over 
copper.  The connector supplier is offering substitute parts 
which are nickel plating over brass.  We are concerned about 
the solderability.  Is this a valid concern?  Does anyone have 
any success or failure stories regarding similar situations.  
Any input would be appreciated.  I would also appreciate it if 
responses could be sent direct to [log in to unmask] in addition 
to TechNet.
     
Regards,
     
Pat Bailey
Supplier Quality Engineer
Zytec Corporation
507 637-2966 x355
[log in to unmask]