Jim,

     It depends on what end your on.  I did a cost analysis, from the
     customer end, several years ago on the cost savings of going to OSP
     from HASL.  From what I remember the cost savings was about equal with
     a slight decrease of maybe $0.50 - $1.00 less than HASL.  I'll stick
     with OSP and HASL as being equal.

     From a user end, operating cost of HASL is very expensive, which
     includes Hardware (Gyrex, Halco, etc), SnPb, dross, electricity, flux,
     safety, cleaners, etc, in addition to hourly maintenance, depending on
     volume.  Not all is bad, it's still the most widely used surface
     protectant.

     OSPs however, can be batched processed in a polypro tank or recessed
     cart.  A bare minimum of 10 micron filter, teflon tank heater, PVC
     rack and I/O pump are necessary.  215 to 315 Angstroms are deposited
     and are very coplanar.  This cost is minimal.


     A fabricators transition from HASL to OSP kept the cost between the
     two at bay even though OSP capital cost is significantly lower than
     HASL.

     John Gulley


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Subject: [TECHNET] FAB: OSP COATINGS
Author:  Jim Marsico 516-595-5879 <[log in to unmask]> at Internet