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Specification Language Related to Pure Tin

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Detailed Specification Language Regarding Current Pure Tin Prohibition Status of EEE Part Procurement Specifications (Military and NASA)

This table will be updated to include additional information as it becomes available.
 (Last Updated 11/13/98)

View a summary of the following table.

Select the commodity type of interest
Capacitors Fuses Thermistors
Connectors Inductors Transformers
Crystals Microcircuits Wire and Cable
Discrete Semiconductors Relays  
Filters Resistors  

 
 Specification Number
Current Specification Revision Date
Current Tin
Prohibition Language or Comments
Revision when Pure Tin Prohibition Language was Added
       
Capacitors
       
MIL-PRF-20
(Ceramic)
05/06/93
Rev H Am 2
No specific tin prohibition language in the spec. However, the packages are non-metallic and leads are commonly solder dipped by users prior to use.  
MIL-PRF-123
(Ceramic)
07/06/98
Rev B Am 5
Pure tin is allowed on chip capacitor terminations only. Termination type "W" allows either pure tin or tin-lead terminations.  
MIL-PRF-23269
(Glass)
08/06/93
Rev E Am 1
 3.5.2.3 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and as an undercoat effective 6 months from the date of this specification (see 6.10).  Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided taht the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.10 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.2.3) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, see ASTM B 545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

08/06/93 
Rev E Am 1
MIL-PRF-39003
(Tantalum)
05/22/98
Rev H Am 4
"3.5.3 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited as a final finish or an undercoat. Tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is three percent (see 6.8)."

"6.8 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.3) because it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information, see ASTM B 545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

08/06/93
Rev H Am 2
MIL-PRF-39006
(Tantalum)
07/07/98
Rev E Am 1
(NOTE: THE WAY THIS IS WRITTEN, THIS IS A TERMINAL REQUIREMENT ONLY)

3.5.1 Case. Each capacitor shall be enclosed in a hermetically-sealed or nonhermetically-sealed metal case (see 3.1) which will prevent leakage or evaporation of the electrolyte and will protect the capacitor element against the entry of contaminants.

3.5.2 Terminals. 

3.5.2.2 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited as a final finish or as an undercoat. Tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent (see 6.10).

6.10 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.2.2) because it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information, see ASTM B545, Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin.

12/24/93
Rev D Am 1
MIL-PRF-39014
(Ceramic)
09/16/97
Rev F
For Terminal Lead Finish "3.5.1.1 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited as a final finish or as an undercoat. Tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is three percent (see 6.7).

6.7 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.1.1) because it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information, see ASTM B545, "Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin."

11/23/93 
Rev E Am 4
MIL-PRF-49467
(Ceramic)
07/15/98
Rev A Am 2
3.5.1.2 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited as a final finish or as an undercoat. Tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent (see 6.5).

6.5 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.1.2) because it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information, see ASTM B545, "Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Tin".

05/19/97 
Rev A
MIL-PRF-49470
(Ceramic)
07/15/98
Am 1
3.5.1.2 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited as a final finish or as an undercoat. Tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent (see 6.5).

6.5 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.1.2) because it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information, see ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

11/19/97 
Base
MIL-PRF-55365
(Tantalum)
04/13/98
Rev D Am 1
For Terminals…" 3.5.2.3 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited as a final finish or as an undercoat. Tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent (see 6.10)."

6.10 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.2.3) because it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information, see ASTM B545, "Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin."

08/02/93 
Rev C Am 4
MIL-PRF-55681
(Ceramic)
06/29/98
Rev E Am 1
Spec does not prohibit pure tin. Termination "W" allows pure tin or tin-lead finish.

A NOTE ONLY. Not a Requirement

6.11 Tin plated finishes (100 percent). MIL-PRF-55681 capacitors have not historically had a problem with tin whisker growth. However, tin whisker growth could adversely effect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information, see ASTM B545, "Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin".

07/13/94 
Rev D
MIL-PRF-83421
(Film)
12/30/93
Rev B Am 3
3.5.3.4Tin Plated Finishes. Tin plating is prohibited as a final finish or as an undercoat. Tin lead finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.8 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional info on this matter, refer to ASTM B545

07/04/93 
Rev B
MIL-PRF-87217
(Film)
02/23/94
Am 4
Pure tin is not expressly disallowed. However, these parts are made as MIL-PRF-83421, so they should be covered by the same prohibition as in 83421.  
       
Connectors
       
MSFC 40M38277
 04/23/91 Pure tin finish is required for type NLS3H solder mount connectors only. Passivated stainless steel or nickel over aluminum is used on all other connectors.  All contacts are gold plated.  
MSFC 40M38298
 03/15/9 Pure tin is required for the shell of type NBS3H hermetic connectors and for the soldercups of type NBS0H and NBS3H hermetic connectors.  All other connectors are nickel coated.  Contacts and engagement surfaces of hermetic connector contacts are gold plated.  
MSFC 40M39569
 06/30/83 Pure tin is required for type NB3H solder mount connector shell only.  All other connectors are passivated stainless steel or nickel coated aluminum.  All contacts are gold plated.  
GSFC S-311-P-4
 09/05/91
Rev D
No pure tin allowed.  Connectors and contacts are gold plated.  
GSFC S-311-P-10
 09/21/92
Rev D
No pure tin allowed.  Connectors and contacts are gold plated.  
GSFC S-311-P-718
 9/05/91
Base Rev
No pure tin is used on connectors or contacts. Connector shells are nickel plated or chemically treated.  Contacts are gold plated.  
MIL-C-5015
 03/15/94
Rev G Am 5
No pure tin is used on connectors or contacts.  Soldercup contacts are pretinned with Sn60 tin-lead solder inside the solder well.  
MIL-PRF-24308
11/12/97
Rev D Am 2
Pure tin is required on Class H (Hermetic) shells and contact bodies.  Latest revision of MIL-PRF-23408/9 is not clear on material and finish for space.  Page 1 and 2 are in conflict. ;  Page 1 lists Class K while page 2 lists Class M non-magnetic.  Previous revision listed space grade to be Class K.  
MIL-C-26482
 01/03/91
Rev G Am 5
Pure tin is required for Series 1 and 2 hermetic seal connectors.  Series 1 solder type contacts are also pure tin plated.  
MIL-PRF-83513
04/22/97
Rev D
No pure tin is used.  Space grade connectors are coated with electroless nickel.  
MIL-PRF-39012
08/25/95
Rev D Am 1
No pure tin is used.  Beryllium copper connectors are gold plated.  Stainless steel connectors are passivated.  Contacts are gold plated on all surfaces.  
MIL-C-83517
07/07/98
Am 4
No pure tin is used.  Solder type contacts are gold plated.  Connector body is stainless steel.  Finish is passivated or gold plated.  Contact is gold plated.  
MIL-C-38999
 04/06/90
Rev J
Pure tin is required for Series I and II hermetic seal connectors only.  Solder contacts for hermetic connectors are gold plated.

The current unreleased Rev K draft includes a pure tin prohibition with 3% lead minimum. 

 
MIL-C-39029
 05/02/88
Rev E
No pure tin is allowed.  Solderless wrap termination areas and certain solder terminated contacts are pre-tinned with tin-lead alloy  
MIL-C-55302
 04/09/86
Rev E
No pure tin is allowed.  Solder contact termination end plating is tin-lead (50-70%) composition.  
MIL-C-85049
 08/30/90
Rev A
No pure tin is used.  
       
Crystals
       
MIL-O-55310
03/25/98
Rev D
3.5.4 Package body finish. External metallic package elements other than leads or terminals (e.g., lids, covers, bases, seal rings, etc.) shall meet the applicable corrosion resistance and environmental requirements and shall be finished so that they meet those requirements using finishes conforming to one or more of the following as applicable:

a. Hot solder dip.

NOTE: Pure tin finish shall not be used on any internal or external package surface or as a lead finish. In addition, tin plating shall not be used as an undercoat. For further guidance on these package body finishes, see 6.5.3.

6.5.2 Guidance on lead finishes. The following lead finishes should be considered for meeting the performance requirements of this specification:

a. Hot solder dip. The hot solder dip should be homogeneous with a minimum thickness of 60 microinches (1.52 m) for round leads and, for other shapes, a minimum thickness at the crest of the major flats of 200 microinches (5.08 m) solder (SN60 or SN63). In all cases, the solder dip should extend up to and beyond the effective seating plane for packages with standoffs or within .030 inch (0.76 mm) of the lead or package interface for leaded flush mounted oscillators. For leadless chip carrier oscillators, the hot solder dip should cover a minimum of 95 percent of the metallized side castellation or notch and metallized areas above and below the notch except the index feature if not connected to the castellation. Terminal area intended for oscillator mounting should be completely covered. The hot solder dip is applicable:

(1) Over a finish in accordance with entry 6.5.2b or 6.5.2c, or

(2) Over electroplated nickel or electroless nickel phosphorous (see 6.5.4), or

(3) Over the basis metal. When applied over the basis metal, underplate that is nonconforming, or other finishes that are nonconforming (e.g., fused tin less than 200 microinches (5.08 m)), hot solder dip should cover the entire lead to the glass seal or point of emergence of the lead or metallized contact through the package wall.

b. Tin-lead plate. Tin-lead plating should have in the plated deposit 3 percent to 50 percent by weight lead (balance nominally tin) homogeneously co-deposited. Plated tin-lead should be a minimum of 300 microinches (7.62 m) thick. Plated tin-lead should contain no more than 0.05 percent by weight co-deposited organic material measured as elemental carbon. Tin-lead plate is applicable:

(1) Over electroplated nickel or electroless nickel phosphorous (see 6.5.4).

(2) Over the basis metal.

6.5.3 Guidance on package finishes. The following package finishes should be considered for meeting the performance requirements of this specification:

a. Solder in accordance with 6.5.2a.

03/15/94 
Rev C
       
Discrete Semiconductors (Diodes/Transistors)
       
MIL-S-19500
09/08/97
Rev K Am 1
Appendix H—CRITICAL INTERFACE AND MATERIALS H.4.1.1.3 Tin and tin-lead plate. Pure tin finish shall not be used on any internal or external package or lead surface. Lead finish shall not use pure tin. Tin-lead plate shall contain three percent lead as a minimum (see table XVII). Pure tin finish (including pure tin undercoating) shall be prohibited. For the JAN level only, pure tin is acceptable in accordance with table XVII. Herein.
04/15/94 
Rev J
       
Filters
       
MIL-PRF-15733
11/15/96
Rev G Am 5
3.4.3Finish. All exposed metallic surfaces shall be suitably protected against corrosion by plating, lead alloy coating, or other means. The finish shall provide good electrical contact when used on a terminal or as a conductor (see 6.4); shall have uniform texture and appearance; shall be adherent; and shall be free from blisters, pinholes and other defects that may affect the protective value of the coating. Pure tin plating is prohibited. When used tin plating shall have a minimum lead content of 3 percent (see 6.5).

6.5 Tin plated finish. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.4.2.1) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin)."

12/31/93 
Rev G Am 4
MIL-PRF-28861
09/11/98
Rev B Am 4
3.6.3.1 Tin-plated or tin-lead plated. T code case finish filters (see 1.2.1.2 and 3.1) shall be tin plated (except that the minimum lead content shall be 3 percent), tin-lead plated, or hot-solder dipped. Use of pure tin plating is prohibited. For guidance on tin and tin-lead finishes, see 6.5.1 and 6.5.2.

6.5 Finishes.

6.5.1 Tin-plated finish. Pure tin plating is prohibited (see 3.6.3.1) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin). Based on past experience, tin plating in accordance with MIL-T-10727 or electro-tin fused (with a minimum tin content of 3 percent) has been used successfully to meet the requirements of this specification.

6.5.2 Tin-lead plated. Based on past experience, tin-lead plating in accordance with MIL-P-81728 or hot-solder dipped (40 percent to 60 percent tin in accordance with ANSI/J-STD-006) has been used successfully to meet the requirements of this specification.

01/31/94 
Rev B
       
Fuses
       
MIL-PRF-23419
(Fuses)
06/12/98
Rev E Am 3
3.5.5.4 Tin plating or coating. Tin plating or coating shall conform to MIL-T-10727, or equivalent as approved by the qualifying activity, except the minimum lead content shall be 3 percent. (NOTE: Use of pure tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and as an undercoat effective 6 months from the date of this specification (see 6.8).)

6.8. Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.5.4) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

06/01/94 
Rev E Am 1
MIL-PRF-39019
(Circuit Breakers)
08/27/97 
Rev D
No pure tin prohibition language.  
       
Inductors
       
MIL-C-39010
08/27/97
Rev E
3.5.1.1 Solderable/weldable lead terminals. Unless otherwise specified, the manufacturer shall verify by certification that all leads conform to type LW(---)C-52 in accordance with MIL-STD-1276 or equivalent. The maximum thickness of 200 microinches is not applicable. Tin plating is prohibited on leads as a final finish (see 6.6). Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.6 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.1.1) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

01/04/94 
Rev D
MIL-C-83446
10/03/94
Rev B Am 4
3.4.6 Tin Plated Finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and as an undercoat effective 6 months from the date of this specification (see 6.8) Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.8 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.4.6) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

10/03/94 
Rev B Am 4
MIL-STD-981
02/10/94 
Rev B
Language exists that restricts the use of pure tin for soldering. However, no guideline is provided for minimum lead content or for package plating restrictions/guidelines.
02/10/94 
Rev B
       
Microcircuits
       
MIL-M-38510
08/27/93
Rev J Notice 1
No pure tin prohibition language.  
MIL-PRF-38534
09/12/96
Rev C Am 1
APPENDIX E

GENERIC DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION CRITERIA

a. Hot solder dip. The hot solder dip will be homogeneous with a minimum thickness of 60 microinches (1.52 Pm) for round leads and, for other shapes, a minimum thickness at the crest of the major flats of 200 microinches (5.08 Pm) solder (SN60 or SN63). For leadless chip carrier devices, the solder will cover a minimum of 95 percent of the metallized side castellation or notch and metallized areas above and below the notch (except the index feature if not connected to the castellation). Terminal area intended for device mounting will be completely covered. The hot solder dip on leads is applicable to either 1 or 2 below:

(1) Over a finish in accordance with entry c or d below. The solder will extend within .030 inch (0.76 mm) of the lead or package interface, or beyond the effective seating plane for packages with standoffs.

(2) Over the basis metal or other finishes. When applied over the basis metal, or over underplate or finishes other than as specified in entry c or d, solder will cover the entire lead to the glass seal or point of emergence of the lead or metallized contact through the package wall.

b. Tin-lead plate. Tin-lead plate will have in the plated deposit 2 percent to 50 percent by weight lead (balance nominally tin) co-deposited. As plated tin-lead will be a minimum of 300 microinches thick and will contain no more than 0.05 percent by weight co-deposited organic material (measured as elemental carbon). Tin-lead plating may be fused by heating above its liquidus temperature. Fused tin-lead will be a minimum of 200 microinches thick. Tin-lead plate is applicable:

(1) Over a finish in accordance with entry c below, or

(2) Over the basis metal.

08/23/95 
Rev C
MIL-PRF-38535
12/01/97
Rev E
APPENDIX A

CLASS LEVEL B AND S REQUIREMENTS

A.3.5.6.3 Microcircuit finishes. Finishes of all external leads or terminals and all external metal package elements shall conform to either A.3.5.6.3.2 or A.3.5.6.3.3, as applicable. The lead finish designator (see A.3.6.2.7) shall apply to the finish of the leads or terminals. The leads or terminals shall meet the applicable solderability and corrosion resistance requirements. The other external metallic package elements (including metallized ceramic elements) shall meet the applicable corrosion resistance requirements. Finishes on interior elements (e.g. bonding pads, posts, tabs) shall be such that they meet the lead bonding requirements and applicable design and construction requirements. The use of strike plates is permissible to the maximum thickness of 10 microinches (0.25 micrometer). All plating of finishes and undercoats shall be deposited on clean, nonoxidized metal surfaces. Suitable deoxidation or cleaning operations shall be performed before or between plating processes. All parts shall be capable of meeting the following requirements of MIL-STD-883:

NOTE: Pure tin is prohibited on leads and cases as a final finish. Use of tin-lead finishes are acceptable provided they meet the lead content requirements herein.

03/14/95 
Rev C
       
Relays
       
MIL-PRF-6106
12/01/97 
Rev K
3.4.1.1 Plated finishes.

a. Pure tin plating is prohibited internally and externally. Tin-lead finish is acceptable, provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent. Other tin alloys are acceptable as approved by the qualifying activity.

b. Pure zinc plating is prohibited internally and externally.

c. Pure cadmium plating is prohibited internally and externally.

12/01/97 
Rev K
MIL-PRF-39016
06/30/98
Rev E Am 2
"3.4.1.1 Plated finishes.

a. Use of tin plating is prohibited internally and externally (see 6.6.4.1). Use of tin-lead finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

b. Use of zinc plating is prohibited internally and externally.

c. Use of cadmium plating is prohibited internally and externally.

6.6.4.1 Tin Plated Finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited (see 3.4.1.1) Use of tin finishes can result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth can result in adverse effects on the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, refer to ASTM B545-83

07/18/94 
Rev E
MIL-PRF-83536
12/19/97
Rev A Am 1
3.4.1.1 Plated finishes.

a. Pure tin plating is prohibited internally and externally (see 6.6.4.1). Tin-lead finish is acceptable, provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent. Other tin alloys are acceptable as approved by the qualifying activity.

b. Pure zinc plating is prohibited internally and externally.

c. Pure cadmium plating is prohibited internally and externally.

6.6.4.1Tin Plated Finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited (see 3.4.1.1) Use of tin finishes can result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth can result in adverse effects on the operation of electronic equipment systems.

03/21/97 
Rev A
       
Resistors
       
GSFC S-311-P-672
04/06/98
Rev E
Information not available at time of table prep.  
GSFC S-311-P-683
07/02/96
Rev A
Information not available at time of table prep.  
GSFC S-311-P-742
12/26/95 
Rev C
Information not available at time of table prep.  
MIL-PRF-39005
(Wirewound)
03/16/98
Rev E Am 1
3.5.2 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and as an undercoat (see. 6.12) Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.12 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.2) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional Information on this matter refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

07/01/93 
Rev D Am 2
MIL-PRF-39007
(Wirewound)
07/03/97
Rev H
3.5.2.3 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited (see 6.10.1). Use of tin lead finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.10.1 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.2.3) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional Information on this matter refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

03/23/93 
Rev G Am 1
MIL-PRF-39008
(Carbon Comp)
04/11/97
Rev C Notice 1

Inactivated
3.5.1.4 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and as an undercoat (see. 6.6.1) Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.12 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.1.4) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional Information on this matter refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

05/05/93 
Rev C Am 1
MIL-PRF-39009
(Wirewound)
07/03/97 
Rev D
3.27 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and as an undercoat (see 6.7). Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.7 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.27) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Tin).

01/27/94 
Rev C Am 1
MIL-PRF-39015
(Variable)
06/09/98
Rev D Am 1
3.5.9 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and as an undercoat (see 6.13). Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.13 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.9) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional Information in this matter, refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

04/27/93 
Rev C Am 2
MIL-PRF-39017
(Film)
05/19/97
Rev F
3.5.3.1 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a finish and as an undercoat (see 6.14). Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.16 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.3.1) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional Information in this matter, refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

07/01/93 
Rev E Am 2
MIL-PRF-55182
(Film)
09/17/98
Rev G Am 3
3.5.3.4 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and as an undercoat (see 6.8). Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.8 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.3.4) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

08/11/93 
Rev F Am 2
MIL-PRF-55342
(Film)
09/17/98
Rev G Am 1
3.5.3 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and as an undercoat (see 6.4.5). Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent. 

6.4.5 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.3) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter refer to ASTM B545.

05/10/93 
Rev E Am 2
MIL-PRF-83401
(Network)
03/18/96
Rev G
3.4.6 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited (see 6.4.3.1). Use of tin-lead finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.4.3.1 Tin plating finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited (see 3.4.6). Use of tin finishes can result in the tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth can result in adverse effects on the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, refer to ASTM B545 .

06/11/93 
Rev F Am 3
MIL-PRF-914
(Network)
12/19/97
Rev A Am 1
3.5.6 Tin plated finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and as an undercoat (see 6.4.2). Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.4.2 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.5.6) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

 
       
Thermistors
       
MIL-T-23648
06/15/98
Rev D Am 1
3.3.3 Tin Plated Finishes. Use of tin plating is prohibited as a final finish and an undercoat (see 6.8.1) Use of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) finishes are acceptable provided that the minimum lead content is 3 percent.

6.8.1 Tin plated finishes. Tin plating is prohibited (see 3.3.3) since it may result in tin whisker growth. Tin whisker growth could adversely affect the operation of electronic equipment systems. For additional information on this matter, refer to ASTM B545 (Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coating of Tin).

04/15/93 
Rev C Am 1
GSFC S-311-P-18
05/12/95
Rev G
No pure tin prohibition language.  
       
Transformers
       
MIL-T-27
06/06/94
Rev E Am 2
No prohibition in base spec.   
MIL-STD-981
02/10/94 
Rev B
Language exists that restricts the use of pure tin for soldering. However, no guideline is provided for minimum lead content or for package plating restrictions/guidelines.
02/10/94 
Rev B
       
Wire and Cable
       
S-311-P-13
06/07/96
Rev B
Pure tin is required for all wire

Pure tin coated wire is recommended for solder applications only.  Tin whisker growth is only a risk in areas where the insulation has been removed and the wire has not been coated with solder.

 
MIL-C-17
01/08/96
Rev G Am 3
Pure tin is required for the outer conductor of certain dash numbers of semi-rigid copper clad cable.  There is no impact on standard part numbers used by NASA.  
J-W-1177
10/16/96
Rev B Notice 1
Tin coating is not permitted.  The superseding document NEMA MW-1000 does not permit tin plating.  
MIL-W-22759
05/07/91
Rev E Am 1
Pure tin plating is required on some styles including (but not limited to) /16, /18, /32, /34.

Pure tin coated wire is recommended for solder applications only.  Tin whisker growth is only a risk in areas where the insulation has been removed and the wire has not been coated with solder.

 
MIL-W-81381
09/08/87
Rev A Notice 1
Pure tin is required for detail specifications /21 and /22 only.

Pure tin coated wire is recommended for solder applications only.  Tin whisker growth is only a risk in areas where the insulation has been removed and the wire has not been coated with solder.

 
QQ-W-343
(Bus Wire)
04/18/97
Rev G
99% pure tin is required for finish "T" only.

Not likely to be a concern if tin plated bus wire is solder dipped/coated prior to use with solder containing a minimum of 3% lead.

EX. Part number that is pure tin plated:

 
MIL-DTL-27500
12/10/97
Rev H
 Pure tin is required for shield styles T, V, J and D  

 
Responsible NASA Officials:

   Michael Sampson/NASA GSFC Code 306
   Dr. Henning Leidecker/NASA GSFC Code 562
Additional Researchers: 

   Jong Kadesch/Orbital Sciences Corp.
   Jay Brusse/QSS Group, Inc.

Last Updated:

April 20, 2005

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