Tin-Coated Braid and Ribbon Flat Copper Wire intended for use in Electronic Application

B973- 10 (Reapproved 2014): Standard Specification for Tin-Coated Braid and Ribbon Flat Copper Wire intended for use in Electronic Application

For engineers and designers working with critical electronic components, ensuring the reliability and performance of interconnects is paramount. ASTM B973-10 (Reapproved 2014) provides an essential framework for specifying tin-coated braid and ribbon flat copper wire, offering a proven pathway to achieving robust electrical conductivity and durability in demanding applications. This authoritative standard is a cornerstone for those who require high-quality, precisely manufactured copper conductors.

What is B973- 10 (Reapproved 2014)?

ASTM B973-10 (Reapproved 2014) is a comprehensive standard that defines the requirements for tin-coated, hard-drawn copper braid and ribbon flat wire specifically intended for electronic use. Developed by ASTM International, this specification ensures that materials used in sensitive electronic assemblies meet stringent quality and performance criteria, facilitating predictable and reliable circuit performance.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the material properties, dimensions, and coating characteristics of tin-coated copper braid and ribbon flat wire. It outlines acceptable limits for tensile strength, elongation, electrical resistivity, and dimensional tolerances for both thickness and width. The standard specifically excludes requirements for the installation or application of the wire, focusing solely on the material's inherent specifications and testing methodologies to ensure its suitability for electronic applications.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Production Managers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Manufacturing Technicians involved in the design and production of electronic devices.
• • Industries affected: Electronics, Telecommunications, Aerospace, Automotive Electronics, and any sector relying on high-performance flexible interconnects.
• • Compliance nature: While primarily a specification for procurement and quality assurance, compliance is often recommended or contractually mandated by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through material certifications, incoming quality inspections, and audits conducted by customers or regulatory bodies where applicable.

Key Requirements Overview

Professionals must adhere to several core provisions within B973-10 (Reapproved 2014) to ensure material suitability:

• • The standard requires that the tin coating be applied using electroplating and consist of commercially pure tin.
• • Key provisions include stringent requirements for the tensile strength and elongation of the hard-drawn copper wire, ensuring mechanical integrity.
• • Professionals must ensure the electrical resistivity of the coated wire does not exceed specified limits at 20°C, critical for signal integrity.
• • The specification mandates continuous tin coating without uncoated joints, verified through specific testing methods to prevent corrosion.
• • Exact dimensional tolerances for both the thickness and width of the flat wire are defined to guarantee interchangeability and proper fit in assemblies.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B973-10 (Reapproved 2014) is often used in conjunction with other ASTM standards to provide a complete material specification. These include:

• • ASTM B1 Specification for Hard-Drawn Copper Wire: This standard provides foundational requirements for the base copper wire material itself.
• • **ASTM B193 Test Method for Resist