TE Connectivity’s ECONIDUR Plating Balances Performance and Sustainability
TE Connectivity has announced a new connector contact plating solution aimed at cutting CO₂ emissions without sacrificing performance. The new ECONIDUR plating uses a nickel-phosphorus (NiP) layer stack that the company claims offers durability and signal integrity comparable to conventional precious metal finishes.
ECONIDUR’s Advantages
The name ECONIDUR reflects the key benefits of this nickel-phosphorus-based plating: it offers a more environmentally friendly contact finish with a lower carbon footprint, while preserving the high durability performance of traditional plating solutions.
According to TE, ECONIDUR reduces the use of precious metals while improving the environmental footprint of connector manufacturing. The company cites internal lifecycle analyses, aligned with ISO 14067 and 14040/44 standards, indicating a CO₂ emissions reduction of over 44% in some cases—depending on layer thickness, connector type, and performance requirements.
Industrial Reliability and Performance
TE is positioning ECONIDUR for use in harsh industrial environments such as factory automation, motor control systems, and high-vibration scenarios. The company says the plating enables reliable signal transmission at speeds of several gigabits per second, while maintaining resistance to gas exposure, micro-fretting, and long-term vibration.
Customer demand for connectors with high durability and minimal maintenance is growing across multiple sectors. TE says ECONIDUR meets those evolving needs while supporting sustainability targets — a dual benefit for OEMs looking to decarbonize operations.
Although the plating is new, TE notes that the underlying process and quality controls remain robust. The company has developed proprietary measurement techniques to verify plating thickness and consistency during production.
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