Most flex and rigid-flex materials do not react to higher pH conditionaer/cleaners, and can become glazed over and not fully accept the catalyst.  Temperature is also a factor.  The baths should stay below 140ºF.  If you need more information, please call me at (214) 231-1522.

Ed

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Ed Wright	Technical Support 
Oliver Sales Company 	Phone:  (214) 231-1522
13445 Floyd Circle 	Fax:  (214) 644-3585
Dallas, Texas  75243-1595 	E-mail:  [log in to unmask]
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From:  Conner, Wendell L.[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:  Monday, April 22, 1996 3:43 PM
To:  'IPC'
Subject:  Direct metalization of Flex Rigid PWBs

We are working on developing direct metalization process for flex-rigid pwbs using palladium based process.   Currently we are very early in the development stage and are experiencing inconsistent results.  Some of the test results were very good others failed.  The failures exhibited rough hole walls and voids.  The roughness appears to be caused by something flaking off of the hole wall and plating.  The appearance is similar to blistered or peeling electroless.  Does anyone run flex-rigid through a direct metalization process?  If so, has anyone experienced similar problems and what is the cure?