Joe, Dataram switched from HASL to immersion white tin about 6 months ago. We assemble our own products that consist of 99 44/100% SMT. The main reason for the switch was the flatness of the solder pads and the overall board. We were experiencing pins that were not soldered to the board. It was determined that the HASL was not level and that some pins were not touching the solder paste. The white tin has worked very well for us. There wasn't any increase in the cost per board, but, not every fab house can do white tin. The solderability is just as good as HASL, and the shelf life is also comparable. Overall we are very pleased with it. Regards, Brandon Luther -----Original Message----- From: Joe Reichert [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 1999 2:27 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [DC] I sent this to TechNet, but I thought someone here might have a comment too. Our PCB house requested that we specify using a White Tin coating over copper for improved solderability. Has anyone had any experience with this before? Solderability, Cost, Oxidation, etc...? Thanks in advance, Joe All views and opinions expressed are my own and may not represent the views and opinions of my employer. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::: Joe Reichert mailto:[log in to unmask] NorthStar Technologies, Inc. A Lake Shore Company 575 McCorkle Boulevard Westerville, Ohio 43082 Voice: 614-818-1150 Ext. 238 Fax: 614-818-1605 http://www.northstar-tec.com