The Advantages of Gold Plating for PCBs
Gold isn’t durable on its own and needs an underlying metal layer to prevent wear. Nickel is the most commonly used material. It prevents copper from diffusing into the gold and also closes substrate pores to reduce pinhole correction.
The golden contact surfaces on a PCB are called Gold fingers, but you can’t think of this term without remembering Auric Goldfinger’s stubby digits. These surface finishes are critical for many products like keyboard and button circuit boards.
Good conductivity
Gold is an excellent conductor, and it is resistant to oxidation and corrosion. It is also a good choice for PCB components because it is highly tolerant of high temperatures and does not react with oxygen, unlike copper and silver. This makes it ideal for use in harsh environments. In addition, it does not exhibit fretting corrosion, which occurs when two mating surfaces rub against each other for long periods of time.
Gold plated on nickel is an excellent coating for connectors and contacts on a printed circuit board, and it can withstand high contact forces and friction without corroding or wearing away. However, it is not durable enough on its own, so it should be used in conjunction with a hard material as the underplate.
ENIG gold, for example, is a popular choice for connecting pads on a PCB. It is plated on the nickel at a thickness of 1-2 microns, and it can be enhanced with cobalt for increased surface resistance. The ends of the gold fingers are then beveled at specific angles to make it easier to insert them into their corresponding holes.
The metallurgy of the gold plating on a pcb is very important, as it determines how durable and functional the circuit board will be. The type of gold plating used on a pcb will affect the quality of the finish, solderability, and conductivity.
Stability
The durability of gold-plated PCBs makes them ideal for applications where the board is in constant contact with other components. The metal is also resistant to corrosion and abrasion. In addition, it is highly conductive and can be used to make connections with other electronic components. This stability makes it a better choice for PCBs than other plating options such as tin or tin-lead solder.
Unlike other electrical metals, gold is not susceptible to fretting degradation, which occurs when two contacting surfaces are subjected to long-term friction and stress. This is a problem that can affect the performance of the device and could lead to short circuits. gold plating pcb This issue can be avoided by using a nickel underplate before plating the gold. This technique will help prevent the migration of copper ions to the surface of the gold layer.
The most common type of gold-plated PCB is a hard gold plate. This is usually alloyed with nickel or cobalt, which gives it added strength and resistance to wear and abrasion. This makes it suitable for use in locations where the force of friction is high, such as gold fingers or keypads. It is also a better choice than immersion gold for areas that require soldering. However, it is important to avoid placing plated holes or SMDs too close to the gold finger contacts, as this may result in physical weakening or malfunction of the PCB.
Aesthetics
Gold-plated PCBs are aesthetically appealing and can add an element of luxury to any electronic device. They are also more durable than tin-plated surfaces and offer superior corrosion resistance properties, making them ideal for parts that need to withstand a lot of movement or friction. Moreover, they are easier to solder than other platings and have better reflectivity than silver. However, high-purity gold plating can be expensive, so it is advisable to consult with a professional before using it in a production process.
Gold plating is a common technique in the fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It is a very important process, because it increases conductivity Gold Plating PCB Supplier and protects components from oxidation. It is also a good option for parts that need to be able to withstand abrasion and frequent insertion or removal.
Unlike immersion gold, gold plating is hard and can be used on connections along connecting edges that are regularly inserted and removed. Gold plating is a cheaper option for these connections, but it does not provide the same level of consistency and softness as immersion gold.
When a manufacturer decides to use hard or soft gold on their PCBs, they must ensure that the copper area is minimal. Any unnecessary copper will lead to cost overruns. To avoid these problems, it is recommended that designers call out their preferred gold thickness.
Durability
A hard gold PCB is a great option for edge card connections that require high durability. It is also a good choice for membrane switches. This type of surface finish resists corrosion and grime, which can be a problem in other materials like nickel or copper. The PCB should be cleaned using a chemical solution to avoid the build-up of contaminants and prevent damage. The surfaces should be dried thoroughly before using them again. Moisture can corrode metals and ruin the functionality of the device.
When choosing a hard gold plating pcb, look for one that has a good reputation and complies with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. It should also have a team of engineers to help you with design and interconnection solutions. The company should also offer technical support and provide components based on your specific requirements. They should be able to recommend the best surface finish and solder mask stack-up for your application.
A hard gold PCB is more expensive than a nickel plate, but it offers many benefits that make it worth the investment. It’s also resistant to corrosion and doesn’t react with chemicals or rust, making it ideal for use in high-wear areas. Additionally, it’s impervious to fretting degradation, which can occur in contacting surfaces that experience rubbing or friction. This means that a gold-plated circuit board will last longer than a nickel or tin-lead-plated one.