Gold
For the highest demands
Gold is the noblest of all metals with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It is mainly used for its excellent corrosion resistance. Even after long periods of storage, there are no issues with soldering, welding, or bonding the material. Minimal alloying (0.1-1 %) with metals such as nickel or cobalt can produce even more wear-resistant coatings without losing the advantages of pure gold. This is particularly valued for use in plug connectors because of its excellent tribological properties. Pure gold coatings can also be produced in a high-purity and soft form for applications in the chemical industry, where excellent corrosion resistance is required. Stainless steel can be directly gold-plated without any issues. Nowadays, almost every electronic device features a gold-plated element in its contact area.