Nickel-phosphorus as a coating – an economical and environmentally friendly alternative
The use of nickel-phosphorus (NiP) in the contact system of connectors represents an innovative alternative to traditional plating systems with a gold surface. A key aspect here is the optimization of cost-effectiveness and sustainability without compromising technical performance. Connectors (connector) with NiP in the contact system are fully comparable in application to established connectors and have been qualified for various applications. The minimal gold flash also ensures reliable compatibility with common plating systems in connectors.
The decisive advantage, however, lies in resource efficiency: Precious metal consumption is reduced by up to 90 percent compared to traditional plating systems. This enables a reduction in a connector’s total carbon footprint by a remarkable 85 percent. ept has already produced over one billion contacts with NiP. With a defect rate of 0 ppm specific to the plating system, NiP has already proven itself in many ept products.
The decisive advantage, however, lies in resource efficiency: Precious metal consumption is reduced by up to 90 percent compared to traditional plating systems. This enables a reduction in a connector’s total carbon footprint by a remarkable 85 percent. ept has already produced over one billion contacts with NiP. With a defect rate of 0 ppm specific to the plating system, NiP has already proven itself in many ept products.
This is what the presentation covers:
- High-quality connector are characterized by gold-plated contacts; gold is the predominant and preferred contact surface for connectors.
- Just because a gold layer is visible at first glance does not allow one to make any conclusions about the layer structure or the thickness of the gold layer.
- A pure gold coating is not always the surface of choice in the contact area of connectors.
About the speaker

Christoph Schnatz
, Product & Process
Development: For 20 years, Christoph has been studying effects on and involving surfaces; thanks to his experience, this Master of Micro- and Nanotechnology is familiar with scales ranging from the nanometer to the decimeter range. For many years, he has been involved in developing and shaping products and processes at ept. In addition to his day-to-day work, he is also active in internal knowledge transfer.
When Christoph isn’t out in nature during his free time, he enjoys spending time in his kitchen, creating experimental dishes and baked goods for his family.
, Product & Process
Development: For 20 years, Christoph has been studying effects on and involving surfaces; thanks to his experience, this Master of Micro- and Nanotechnology is familiar with scales ranging from the nanometer to the decimeter range. For many years, he has been involved in developing and shaping products and processes at ept. In addition to his day-to-day work, he is also active in internal knowledge transfer.
When Christoph isn’t out in nature during his free time, he enjoys spending time in his kitchen, creating experimental dishes and baked goods for his family.

