CableDataSheet, Cable and Wire Technical Consulting Service

How to calculate the tin quantity on a copper wire g/m2 ?

Measure the length of the copper wire using a ruler or measuring tape and record the length in meters.

Cut a representative sample of the copper wire.

Weigh the sample of the copper wire using a precise balance and record its mass in grams.

Immerse the sample in a suitable solution that selectively dissolves the tin coating while leaving the copper unaffected. Nitric acid is commonly used for this purpose.

Allow the sample to remain in the solution for a specific duration to ensure complete dissolution of the tin coating. The duration may vary depending on the thickness of the tin coating and the concentration of the solution. Follow the instructions and guidelines for the specific solution being used.

After the appropriate time has passed, remove the sample from the solution and rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any traces of the solution. ( For the hydrochloric acid electrolyte, dilute 170 ml of hydrochloric acid (HCI), p = 1,18 g/ml, to 1 000 ml with deionised water.)

Dry the sample carefully to remove any remaining moisture.

Weigh the sample again using the precise balance and record its mass in grams.

Calculate the mass of the tin coating by subtracting the final mass of the sample (after tin dissolution) from the initial mass of the sample (before tin dissolution).

Calculate the surface area of the copper wire sample. For a cylindrical wire, you can use the formula:
Surface Area = 2πrL

Here, r represents the radius of the wire (which can be obtained from the wire diameter), and L represents the length of the wire.

Divide the mass of the tin coating by the surface area to obtain the tin quantity in grams per square meter (g/m²):
Tin Quantity (g/m²) = Mass of Tin Coating (grams) / Surface Area (m²)
For example, let's say you have a copper wire sample with an initial mass of 10 grams, a length of 1 meter, and a diameter of 0.5 mm. First, calculate the radius by dividing the diameter by 2: 0.5 mm / 2 = 0.25 mm = 0.00025 meters.

Next, calculate the surface area of the wire using the formula:
Surface Area = 2π(0.00025)(1) = 0.00157 m²

Finally, divide the mass of the tin coating by the surface area to find the tin quantity in g/m²:
Tin Quantity (g/m²) = 10 grams / 0.00157 m² ≈ 6369.43 g/m²

Thus, the tin quantity on the copper wire sample is approximately 6369.43 g/m².