Steve,
        I have seen similar nodules before. The first question I will ask is
were these circuits run through direct plate process? More specifically was
it a graphite based system? I don't want to be to specific for a vendor but
a major one has this issue with their graphite based system. Once they start
copper plating they form "micronodules all over the panlels and in the
holes. I had to use their plating chemistry to get rid of them which doesn't
sit to well with me.
        Hope this is of some help.

Mike Doty
Process  Engineer
Sanmina Tech Center
Wardhill Ma.
Phone: (978-556-6003)
E-mail: [log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen R. Gregory [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2000 12:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Nodules in barrel plating...


Hi ya'll!!

Got another picture for ya to look at for me. We've got some PCB's in
receiving inspection that has these little nodules in plating inside all of
the barrels. Go to:

http://www.driveway.com/share?sid=e25a88c4.8e904&name=Pictures

and look at Barrelplate.jpg to see what I mean. These are microwave PCB's
and
have almost all of the surface area on both sides covered with with solid
metal planes, and no solder mask.

Is this a normal appearance? The plating inside the barrels look to be a
much
lighter color than the plating on the surface planes on the PCB...you can
see
that in the picture as well. I don't know what I'm looking at, maybe someone
could help me. I'm being asked if this is okay...I don't know if it is or
not. I'll try and take a better picture if I can...

Thanks!!

-Steve Gregory-

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