dear ed, as i responded to ed - Atotech has an electroless process called PD-Tech - which is an electroless palladium process. this process is presently being worked into automotive spec, along with a few others. electroless palladium will not allow copper to difuse - bonding characteristics comprable or better than gold - no barrier plate of nickel required - can be gold plated over top if required - such as tabs - and finish of board is flat - board manufacturer cost shud not run much more than HASL and less expensive than electroless gold. shud u require more info please e-mail back to: miscantor@aol com regards rick fudalewski Atotech