They think the plated gold (!) is reacting with a ferric chloride (if that's what it is) microetch? Gold is pretty non-reactive--that's why its called a noble metal. Are they proposing galvanic corrosion of the Cu? Are you sure about the amount of copper present going into the bath? I will definitely follow this thread with interest. Timothy Reeves ECD Circuit Board Division 13626 South Freeman Road Mulino, OR 97042 [log in to unmask] (503) 829-9108 (800) 228-8198 FAX (503) 829-5482 > ---------- > From: Franklin > Sent: Friday, October 8, 1999 12:51 PM > Subject: Micro-etch attacking copper when gold tabs are involved > > Okay brainiac's, here's a stumper. > > From our supplier, they believe the gold is reacting with chemistry in the > micro-etch bath?????? > ############################################################## 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. If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5365 ##############################################################