Gold Plating on PCBs
Gold-plated PCBs are often used for the edges of connections. These are called gold fingers, and they conduct signals between a peripheral device or motherboard card and the main computer. These contact points need to withstand high-wear.
Hard gold plating is the best choice for these applications. This process involves electroplating nickel and then a layer of gold on the required areas.
1. Good conductivity
Gold is one of the best electrically conductive metals, second only to silver and copper. It also has a high thermal conductivity and does not form insulating gold plating pcb compounds. It is also resistant to corrosion and does not tarnish. Because of these qualities, gold is a good choice for plating contact surfaces on PCBs.
The gold-plated contacts on a circuit board, also known as “gold fingers,” are used to connect the board to other components or another board. These contacts are found in various electronic devices, including computer monitors and laptops. The gold-plated contacts are important to ensure a strong connection between the motherboard and other components.
In order to ensure that the gold-plated fingers on a PCB are able to withstand repeated insertions and removals, they must be coated with a material that is able to resist friction and wear. A gold finish that is thick enough to withstand these forces is often referred to as “hard” gold. This type of gold can withstand thousands of actuation cycles, making it the ideal material for PCB gold fingers and membrane switches.
To create a hard gold surface, the fabrication process first applies a nickel under layer to the connector edges of the gold-plated fingers. This is followed by a coating of gold, which is usually alloyed with cobalt to increase its resistance. After the gold is plated, it is subjected to a number of inspections and tape adhesion tests to ensure that it meets design specifications.
2. High elasticity
Gold plating is used on circuit boards to provide contact points. These are known as “gold fingers.” Gold plates are more durable than copper and can withstand repeated insertions. The gold plating also has good conductivity. It is also easier to solder, which helps ensure a reliable connection. This is particularly important in electronic devices where a failure to meet quality standards can cause the device to fail.
The gold plating on a PCB is usually made of electroplated hard gold. This is more resistant to wear than other kinds of gold plating, and it can withstand several hundred cycles of being inserted and removed. It is also resistant to corrosion. This kind of gold is usually alloyed with nickel and cobalt for strength and durability.
Another type of gold plating is ENIG, or electroless nickel immersion gold. This is cheaper than hard gold and has a thickness of two to three microns. However, it doesn’t have the same durability as hard gold. ENIG is also prone to pad blackening, which can lead to short-circuiting.
To ensure that the gold on a PCB is of high quality, the fabricator must take several steps to prepare the board before the plating process begins. These steps include activation, pickling, cleaning, microetching, and gold surface finishing. They must also conduct a series of inspections and tests to verify that the gold has been applied evenly. In addition, they must ensure that the gold is adhering to the copper pads of the edge connectors. If the pads are not properly treated, they may corrode and become unusable.
3. Durability
Gold-plated PCBs are highly durable. They resist corrosion and oxidation, and can withstand high temperatures. These characteristics make them popular in aerospace, medical and military applications. Gold-plated circuits also have excellent conductivity and can prevent overheating.
The durability of PCBs plated with gold can be improved by using a nickel undercoat. This process prevents the gold from reacting with copper on the surface of the board, causing oxidation and black disk problems. This method is also preferred for PCBs that will be soldered, because it is less likely to create voids or short-circuits.
PCBs that will be repeatedly inserted and removed require hard gold plating. This is often done for edge connectors or the “gold fingers” found on membrane switches. The hardness of the gold surface helps to withstand the force of repeated contact with the contacts on these types of PCBs.
However, when choosing between a hard or immersion gold finish, it is important to consider the PCB’s design and use. If you will be putting your PCBs through harsh conditions, you should choose an immersion gold plating solution, as it is more durable and resistant to corrosion than hard gold. This type of gold is also easier to solder, which can reduce the amount of time that it takes to assemble your circuit boards. Moreover, it is more cost effective than hard gold and will not damage the nickel underneath.
4. Good appearance
The gold coating on PCBs helps to prevent corrosion and offers good resistance against electrical currents. Gold is also non-toxic and poses no environmental hazards. It is used in many electronic devices, including computers, laptops, cell phones and other electronics. This is Gold Plating PCB Supplier because of its great conductivity, durability and resistance to oxidation. It also has a high tolerance for different conditions, including moisture. This means that the PCB will not be damaged when it is exposed to water. This is why gold-plated PCBs are preferred by many manufacturers and consumers.
Several different gold plating processes are used in PCBs, from hard gold to ENIG. Hard gold is a good option for areas that need a higher level of friction and resistance to pressure. It can also be used on gold fingers, which are the contacts that connect PCBs to each other.
To plate hard gold on a PCB, the copper surface is first cleaned with etchants and conditioners. Then it is plated with nickel, which provides a base for the gold coating. This process is followed by the electroplating process, in which the gold is deposited on top of the nickel. In some cases, the gold layer is alloyed with cobalt to improve its durability. The gold layer is typically 1-2 microns thick. The finished product should pass a visual test, and any defects should be corrected before adding silk screens or solder masks.