The difference between Immersion, electroless and electrolytic. The deposition of a metal from solution involves ar eduction process, this can be accomplished by one of the following methods: Immersion: Here the reduction is acheived by the oxidation of the metal substrate, for example copper would go into solution as Pd is deposited on the surface when the surface is completely covered the reaction stops, it is a self limiting process. Electroless: In this process the reduction is carried by a reducing agent that is part of the chemical process, example is formaldehyde in electroless copper and Sodium hypophoshite in electroless nickel. The reation is sustained by the chemistry and may continue endlessly. Electrolytic: Electrolytic reduction is supplied by the use of rectifiers. Bussing or connectivity is a must for electroplating. George Milad Technical Marketing Mgr LeaRonal Inc. ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. For the technical support contact Dmitriy Sklyar at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.311 ##############################################################