Mipl1Dear Earl Good ductile additive/P free Nickel base covered by a flash ~ 0.05 microns of Gold should provide a very cost effective finish competeitive with HASL and others. The key component for solderability and shelf life is the Nickel undercoat. ~ 5 microns is adequate if ductile etc as above. Under proper controlled condition this finish should give all advantages as 1. Longer shelf life - ( Nickel is critical.) 2. Flat surface profile what more - economic and looks good too. Anil Kher micro interconnexion pvt. ltd. D3-12 A , Corlim Industrial Estate , Corlim , Ilhas , Goa , India – 40311 Tel : 00-91-832-284209 / 284337. Fax : 00-91-832-284209 / 285271. E-mail :- [log in to unmask] LEADERS IN GOLD PLATED PCBS