There are a few families of "direct plate" processes that are used 
     instead of electroless copper.  The Shadow (from Electrochemicals) and 
     MacDermid's Blackhole are similar (but don't say that to MacDermid & 
     Electrochemicals).  There are also palladium-based chemistries and 
     some conductive polymers.  
     
     These have been on the market for a while, and are being used in 
     various shops but haven't become mainstream yet.  Many shops are 
     considering them, but fewer are using them.  I suggest getting yield 
     and reliability data from your supplier.
     
     
     MB


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: New "Shadow" Process
Author:  [log in to unmask] at SMTPLINK-HADCO
Date:    5/1/96 01:27 PM


All,
     
One our very best and long time PCB suppliers as asked us to consider 
approving a new process for preparing plated through holes before 
metalization.  Instead of depositing copper for the base, they deposit some 
sort of carbon or graphite base upon which thye eventually elctro-plate 
copper.  The only visible result on the finished board is that unplated 
holes are black.
     
Anyone have any comments, ideas or concerns about this type of process? 
Apparently "Shadow" is a brand name for a generic process called carbon 
sensitization.
     
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
     
Leo Reynolds