Hi Rex - let me add a couple of comments. Rockwell Collins has been using ENIG pwb finishes for since early 2004 and we have never had an issue with black pad. We have had issues with ENIG solderability but we have had the similar issues with ImAg, ImSn and HASL finishes. George has already stated the requirement for obtaining good pwb surface finishes - develop a good working relationship with your pwb fabricators and audit/inspect their processes on occasion for compliance. All of the pwb surface finishes have both advantages/disadvantages and all can be done incorrectly. Completely eliminating a pwb surface finish choice from possible use will eliminate the possibility of having its specific issues but that practice also means you don't get to opportunity of its advantages. There is no such thing as the perfect pwb finish with zero risk. Dave Hillman Rockwell Collins [log in to unmask] Bob METCALF <[log in to unmask]> Sent by: TechNet <[log in to unmask]> 08/03/2011 11:01 AM Please respond to TechNet E-Mail Forum <[log in to unmask]>; Please respond to Bob METCALF <[log in to unmask]> To <[log in to unmask]> cc Subject Re: [TN] Steps to take to prevent ENIG issues Rex, Your comments are heard all too often. It's a shame that ENIG gets a bad rap because a fabricator is not following process recommendations properly. I can assure you I have looked at hundreds of thousands of ENIG boards over the years that process very well. ENIG does involve more process steps than some other finishes and does require process control. When an ENIG process runs out of control the results can be disastrous. ENIG does however, have many positive attributes and is a very reliable finish when processed correctly. Unfortunately when the process is not controlled the resulting pain at the CM or OEM can be costly and frustrating. I assure you though, there are many reliable PWB manufactures that take process control seriously and produce consistently good ENIG panels. Regards, Bob Metcalf Western Regional Manager Atotech USA Inc 1750 Overview Drive Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730 USA Mobile: 714-334-7667 e-mail: [log in to unmask] Internet: www.atotech.com Managing Director: Kuldip Johal This e-mail and any attachments hereto are business documents of Atotech USA Inc. and may contain CONFIDENTIAL OR PROPRIETARY BUSINESS INFORMATION. Unauthorized disclosure and/or use of information contained in this e-mail are prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, you should dispose of it and not use, disseminate or copy this message or any other files transmitted with it. . From: Rex Waygood <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Date: 08/03/2011 08:50 AM Subject: Re: [TN] Steps to take to prevent ENIG issues Sent by: TechNet <[log in to unmask]> Agree, don't use ENIG. I am in the middle of a protracted ENIG problem which according to the manufacturer is down to our processes and their tests of the board show them to be perfect. However in order to solder 4 power pad QFPs we are having to scrape off the gold to get the nickel to solder. Our production and a test at NPL shows the ENIG to be very poor. ENIG is the pits. Regards Rex -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Wenger, George M. Sent: 03 August 2011 16:43 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Steps to take to prevent ENIG issues The only guarantee is not to use ENIG. To minimize ENIG issues select a good PCB fabricator and make sure they control their process. Regards, George George M. Wenger Senior Principal Reliability / FMA Engineer Andrew Corporation - Wireless Network Solutions 40 Technology Drive, Warren, NJ 07059 (908) 546-4531 Office (732) 309-8964 Mobile E-mail: [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stadem, Richard D. Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 11:17 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] Steps to take to prevent ENIG issues I have a client who is switching PWB fabricators for ENIG finishes. They are fully aware of ENIG issues such as Black Pad, Brittle Nickel, etc., and want to know whatever steps can be taken to prevent ENIG PWBs from reaching production with these issues. Does anyone have any suggestions? ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. 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