Russell,

Be careful!!
You might have  "black pad" solder joint issues due to problems with the nickel bath.
(see archives!)

David A. Douthit
Manager
LoCan LLC



Russell Burdick wrote:

> Hello everyone!
>
> I could use some help concerning soldering to gold.
>
> Problem:
> A customer of ours has given feedback to our salespeople that hard gold
> boards we made in May 2002 were much better to solder to than what we sent
> in October 2002. Biggest difference was stated as the newest boards have
> fiducials that auto pick and place equipment can't read because under the
> lights they look "black". Under normal shop lights both boards look bright
> and shiney(sp?).
>
> Also, the customer commented that on the boards with "black" unreadable
> fiducials had solderjoints that looked very dull.
>
> Known manufacturing/processing differences between months of May and October
> (aka, confessions of a process engineer):
> Prior to August 2002, dull plated gold boards were scrubbed to improve
> appearances. After August 2002 no scrubbing needed when a carbon treat and
> proper wetters were performed/maintained in nickel and gold baths.
>
> Any and all comments are greatly appreciated.
>
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