Gold Plating PCB
Gold plating pcb is an essential component in many computer systems. It provides a solid connection between the edges of a circuit board. This protects it from damage and extends its lifespan.
It prevents fretting corrosion which is caused by repetitive rubbing of contacting metal surfaces. It also makes it easier to solder.
Conductivity
Gold is one of the most effective conductors in electronics, and PCBs need to have high levels of conductivity to function properly. It is also a great thermal conductor, with a higher thermal conductivity than silver (315 W/mK) and copper (285 W/mK). The best way to achieve optimum conductivity is to use an electrolytic gold finish, such as ENIG, on the pads of a circuit board.
If you choose to use electroplated hard gold on your PCBs, make sure to use an engineered nickel underplate. This will help prevent oxidation and prevent short-circuiting. In addition, you should ensure that there are no plated holes or silk screen printing in the area of the plating. It is important to keep the pads of a gold-plated PCB clear so that solder can bond firmly with them.
Adding gold to a PCB is incredibly beneficial because it reduces current losses, helping the circuit board to gold plating pcb stay cool and avoid overheating. Additionally, it protects the metal contact points on a circuit board from corrosion, which can happen when copper is exposed to acidic chemicals or oxidizers.
The process of adding gold to a PCB involves a series of meticulous steps, which helps to ensure that every circuit board that rolls off the production line is ready for mass distribution. The meticulousness of the process is what helps to ensure that the connections between different parts of a circuit board are free of errors. This is the primary reason why all gold-plated PCBs must pass a stringent set of inspections and quality tests before they can be released for commercial sale.
Durability
Gold has a high tolerance to corrosion, which makes it a great choice for PCB manufacturing. Gold-plated circuits can resist the effects of chemicals and acids, which can damage other metals. Moreover, it has a strong capacity to withstand heat. This durability makes it ideal for use in high-temperature applications. Copper and silver, on the other hand, can suffer from corrosion, making them unsuitable for printed circuit board edge connectors.
PCB manufacturers use two methods to gold plate circuit boards: selective gold plating and immersion gold plating. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but gold immersion is the most popular. In this process, the gold is plated on top of nickel. It is important to use a nickel layer because gold can react with copper and cause oxidation. This will affect the performance of the circuit board.
The first step in the ENIG process is to apply a nickel coating on the copper pads of the circuit board. Then, the copper pad must be activated using a chemical activator. This will prepare the copper pad for gold plating. The next step is to wash the copper with an etchant solution. After that, the circuit board is dipped in an electroless gold bath. This will produce a thicker coating of gold. However, the thickness of the coating should be specified as it can affect the electrical conductivity of the circuit board.
Aesthetics
Gold plating is a common process for the connections between PCBs and their devices. It is a highly prized metal that offers several key attributes for electronics that make it an ideal choice for this purpose.
For example, it has excellent conductivity and protects components from corrosion. It also resists oxidation better than copper. These properties are important Gold Plating PCB Supplier for keeping a reliable connection in an electronic device, which is essential to its function.
Aside from its utility, gold has some aesthetic benefits that make it a popular option for electronic parts. For example, it is an attractive metal and has a nice shine that looks appealing. It is also an economical choice for PCBs because it is more affordable than silver or copper. Using gold on PCBs can also help them meet electrical standards and requirements.
There are three most common uses for gold on a circuit board: edge connectors, printed switch contacts and probe contact points. For these applications, a hard gold plating is typically used. This type of plating is made from a combination of nickel and gold, and it provides superior abrasion resistance compared to other types of plating. It is also a good choice for plated holes that may undergo repeated removal and insertion during the life of the circuit board. For most other PCB surfaces, an electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) process is often used.
Underlayers
Gold plating is a popular choice for PCBs, as it improves the conductivity of the board and helps protect it from corrosion. However, it’s important to note that gold is not durable on its own and can wear away easily if not protected with an underlayer. It is best used as an underlayer for a hard metal like nickel or cobalt.
While pure gold is soft, electroplated hard gold (ENIG or OSP) is much harder and more resistant to friction. It is also a better option for contact surfaces, especially when they’re expected to experience repeated insertion and removal cycles. This is why it’s usually used for PCB edge connectors, which are commonly known as “gold fingers.”
In addition to its durability, hard gold is a good choice for PCBs that need to withstand extreme temperatures. It can maintain its high thermal conductivity even under severe conditions, and it is resistant to many chemicals, including acids and alkalis.
PCBs that require gold-plated contacts or edges should be prepared correctly before the gold plating process starts. This will ensure that the surface finish meets design specifications and that the gold is applied at an appropriate thickness. In addition, the surface should be free of ionic and non-ionic residues, as these can cause poor conductivity. It’s also important to avoid adding too much gold, as it can damage the substrate.