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]