Matthew: The immersion metals Au, Ag and Sn all have their pluses and minuses, however I wouldn't be quite so quick to rule out OSP coatings. In addition to having a lower cost Vs immersion metals, the newer generation OSP's have the capability to stand up to the higher temperatures of lead free reflow. Although a lot depends on your process i.e. type of oven, atmosphere, solderpaste, number of passes, storage conditions, etc. We have run considerable testing on OSP with lead free and not had issues. Also if you require selective electroplated gold for such things as switches and key pads. It will be much easier, cheaper and more available from a fabrication standpoint than immersion metal processes. I believe there may be a place for all four of these coatings depending on board design and final requirements. Also don't forget about lead free HAL. Regards Michael Barmuta Staff Engineer Fluke Corp. Everett WA 425-446-6076 -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Matthew Lamkin Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 6:57 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] OSP process for PCB Special applications such as? I have the task of coming up with the lead free finishes that we are going to use. OSP will NOT be one of them (I have been told not to use it). Changing to lead free has removed a few PCB suppliers from our lists. Thank you, Matthew Lamkin. -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of George Milad Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 2:48 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] OSP process for PCB Immersion Tin is in use as a surface finish for specific applicatios, it is not classified as an OSP (organic solderability preservative). Some common OSPs are Benzotriazoles, Immidazoles and Benzimidazoles. they are non metallic, organic compounds. Hope this is helpful. Best regards George Milad [log in to unmask] National Accounts Manager for Technology Uyemura International Corporation Technical Center 240 Town LIne Rd Southington CT 06489 (516) 901 3874 (mobile) (860) 793-4011 (office) (860) 793-4020 (fax) --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 -----------------------------------------------------