Craig -

Two concerns over the color issue:

1]      Human factors - Inspection and assembly personnel reactions tend to be
somewhat negative when faced with a discernible difference.  Many years ago
when red oxide entered the market place, a lot of us encountered frequent work
stoppages as a result.

2]      Effect on IR absorbtance and preheating rates - many of us have designs
which contain sizeable plane areas which are "visible" to our IR preheat and
soldering elements.  A change in preheat rate would result in the need for
additional profiles.

Perhaps the black treatment idea has merit!!

Regards - Kelly

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