This is quite common.  Even though we are a "pattern" plate shop, every
board we build has some panel plate on it.

We process through electroless copper then add what we call a strike plate,
essentially a few 100 microinches of electrolytic copper.  Then we follow
with pattern plate.

What's critical here is that the pattern plate copper height cannot exceed
the thickness of the photoresist used to make the pattern.  Depending on the
requirements of the board, the amount of strike (panel) is varied to avoid
this issue.  Boards with high minimum PTH copper, higher aspect ratio,
and/or areas of higher current density will get more panel with a
corresponding decrease in etch capability.

This is why it's a bad idea to put fine lines on thick boards with small
holes.

Mike McMaster
RF Product Engineer
Merix Corporation
503-992-4263



> ----------
> From:         Ian Shute[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     TechNet E-Mail Forum.;Ian Shute
> Sent:         Wednesday, November 05, 2003 7:21 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      [TN] Pattern & panel plating why both ?
>
> All,
>
>
>
> Any insight as to why a PCB house would panel then pattern plate a board?
>
>
>
> My mis-guided time in the industry has lead me to believe it's one or the
> other?
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> Ian
>
>
>
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