Joe:

You are correct.  The porosity of the gold plating is an 
indication of the exposure of metallic layer under gold to normal 
corrosive attach.  The greater the porosity the greater the 
corrosion of the underlying metal and the larger the possibility an 
intermittent or open in the connector system.  If you will 
notice, the Bellcore Table 22 does not state that this as an 
acceptable or unacceptable level, only as "Typical Pore Counts".  
Neither do they comment on pore size nor shape.  The main purpose 
of the requirement to assure the plating process remains under 
control and is monitored once a supplier establishes a porosity 
"norm".  The porosity requirements between a supplier and a 
customer should be called out in the customer's specification and 
negotiated with the supplier.

Harry


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______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: gold finger porosity requirements
Author:  [log in to unmask] at SMTPLINK
Date:    6/6/96 9:19 AM


Can any one educate me on Porosity requirements for gold fingers?

BELLCORE TR-NWT-000078 14.2.2.2 Table 22 calls out ranges of 
acceptable Pore counts for given gold thicknesses. My question is 
what is the purpose of pore requirements? Is the implication that if 
the gold is to porous it is more susceptible to wear out and/or 
corrosion? Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

Joe Pudlo