Frank: I'm not sure what copper II is, I assume you are referring to pattern
plate electrolytic copper.
I have seen a similar occurrence of random appearing metallic fibers that
was driving me crazy because I couldn't find the source. Showed up on only a
few panels in a load but not in every load. Finally found the source, the
plating operator was using a "Scotch Brite" type pad to scrub down and clean
anode bars and exposed areas of the tank. He did not do it on every load,
only occasionally, beginning of shift, end of shift etc. As these cleaning
pads aged over time they began to break down and the metallic fibers would
go into the plating bath. When the a load of boards was placed in the bath
after this cleaning and electrified; ZAP the fibers would be attracted and
co-deposited onto the surface of the first boards in the tank.
I have also found these same pads sucked up in the filtration system and
decomposing causing similar conditions.
I don't know if that's what your fighting but it's worth looking into.
Good Luck!
Regards
Michael Barmuta
Staff Engineer
Fluke Corp.
Everett WA
425-446-6076
-----Original Message-----
From: Franklin D Asbell [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2002 5:23 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Unusual plated 'stuff' on copper surface
This past January we began seeing unusual 'growths' ((for lack of better
descriptive wording)) on the surface of panels after copper II, they are
typically observed on one end of the panels, often only a couple panels per
tankload exhibit this.
These 'growths' look like fine strands of metal of fabric fibers, they are
clustered together like someone poor shavings there, and plated over them.
If any of you recall pics of those bacteria found in that Mars asteroid from
the Antarctic, they appear similar to that (not saying we have bacteria
growing in our baths of course). Occasionally we see this out towards the
center of panels, I don't believe we have ever seen all panels in a tankload
exhibit this either. This condition is observed on one or two loads per day
(out of about 20 - 30), some days not at all.
We started seeing this in one bath (of three in house) until recently it
appeared in another bath simultaneously.
Any help on this would be greatly appreciated as our process engineers, lab
techs, and suppliers are baffled.
Thanks,
Franklin D Asbell
Network Circuits, Inc.
Irving, Texas 75061
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