Uyemura is the world leader in electroless nickel/ immersion gold, immersion silver, and immersion tin; also copper etchants and acid copper finishes.Uyemura is the world leader in electroless nickel/ immersion gold, immersion silver, and immersion tin; also copper etchants and acid copper finishes.Uyemura is the world leader in electroless nickel/ immersion gold, immersion silver, and immersion tin; also copper etchants and acid copper finishes.
Semiconductor Industry:

Uyemura:
A World Leader
in Immersion
Silver


George Milad, National Accounts Manager of Technology offers insights on decision-making for final finishes in an article published in Printed Circuit Design & Fab, “Making the Critical Connection.”

 

See an interview with George Milad, Keeping PWB Manufacturing
Businesses in North America
. Video courtesy of CircuiTree.

Uyemura Final Finishes:
Immersion Silver, ENIG
for the PWB Industry,
HASL Alternative Products





Final Finishes: ENIG,
HASL Alternative,
Immersion Silver,
Electrolytic Palladium
 
KAT (ENIG)
 
KAT UF (ENEPIG)
 
KAT GW (Electroless Gold)
 
KAT SP (Selective Plate)
 
ENAG Electroless Nickel / Autocatalytic Gold
 
Gold Stripping Solutions:
      • Copkia Rip II Gold Stripper
      • Copkia Rip Palladium Additive
 
PRESA RGA-14 Immersion Silver
 
Silver Stripping Solution – PRESA RGA-SS-M5
 
PRESA RMK-20 Immersion Tin
 
DIG Direct Immersion Gold on Copper
 
Electrolytic Nickel Gold
 
Cleaners for Final finish
   
Acid Copper DC Electroplate
 
Thru-Cup EVF-R (DC Via Fill)
 
Thru-Cup EPL (high throw)
 
Thru-Cup ETN (high current density)
 
Thru-Cup AC-90 (single component)
 
Cleaners for Plating
 
Copper Gobbler
 
Synergy Anodes
   
Surface Treatment (MEC)
 
MEC CT-910
 
MEC CZ-5480
   
Electrolytic Palladium
 
Umicore Electrolytic Palladium 457
   
Final Finishes: ENIG, Immersion Silver, MORE

KAT Electroless Nickel/ Immersion Gold process (ENIG)
The KAT process produces a uniform mid-phos electroless nickel deposit
with a thin topcoat of immersion gold, over the copper substrate. The finish
is highly resistant to corrosion, and is both solderable and aluminum wire
bondable. It is also an ideal contacting surface.


Advantages of the KAT Process:

 
Low concentration room temperature chloride free catalyst
 
A unique nickel bath that:
 
Runs at least 10°F below the competition
Compatible with all the latest soldermasks in the market
Does not require “Dummy Plating”
 
STARLINE DASH Controller - Advanced electroless nickel
controller is self-cleaning and self calibrating. The controller
modifies the calibration curve to compensate for by-product buildup
throughout the life of the bath. It maintains a complete analytical
record for SPC charting. MORE INFO
   
KAT UF (ENEPIG) Universal Finish
This unique Ni/Pd/Au surface finish is solderable, aluminum and gold wire
bondable, and a superb contact surface. The recommended thickness
is 3 – 5 microns (120 – 200 μins) of EN electroless nickel, 0.16 micron
(4 - 6 μins) of EP electroless palladium and 0.02 to 0.04 micron (1 - 2 μins)
of IG immersion gold.

ENEPIG exhibits the highest degree of solder joint reliability of all available
finishes with “Lead Free” SAC 305 alloy. The palladium slows down the
diffusion of Sn into the Ni, resulting in a minimum thickening of the nickel/tin
IMC even after 1000 hours at 150°C.

ENEPIG would not be the first choice for Sn/Pb eutectic solder. The palladium
does not form intermetallics with Pb and this results in a disrupted IMC layer
that may compromise the reliability of the solder joint. MORE INFO

   
KAT SP New ENIG for Selective Plating
This is a modified KAT ENIG process designed to accommodate the
processing needed for the selective plating of ENIG and OSP (organic
solderability preservative).

The nickel bath is sulfur-free and more corrosion resistant. The gold
is a much tighter, lower porosity gold coating.

   
ENAG Electroless Nickel / Autocatalytic Gold
is a high-performing final finish for wire bondable deposits, and an
excellent alternative to immersion chemistry, or ENEPIG. Deposits
120-240 μins of nickel, 8-40 uins of electroless gold. Read “Neutral
Auto-Catalytic Electroless Gold Plating Process”
in the Uyemura library.
   
Copkia Rip II Gold Stripper
Works at room temperature to remove plated gold from parts.
   
Copkia Rip Palladium Additive
This component, added to the above product, turns the stripper into
the best available palladium stripper.
   
PRESA RGA-SS-M5 Silver Stripper
Works at room temperature to remove / strip immersion silver from PWBs.
   
KAT GW Electroless Nickel with Electroless Gold for gold wire bonding

In this process, the standard ENIG deposit is followed by an electroless
gold step. Here the gold thickness is built up to meet the requirements
of “Gold Wire” bonding.

 
Gobright-TMX is a neutral pH electroless gold.
 
AuBEL is an alkaline pH electroless gold process.
   
PRESA RGA-14 Immersion Silver (View Animation Clip)

The requirements of newer electronic parts have caused PCBs to evolve and demand improved manufacturing methods. One important requirement is
high-density mounting. HASL exhibits poor thickness distribution and
cannot meet the needs of high-density mounting.

The recent emphasis on environmentally safer products has also advanced
the cause of eliminating lead.  OSP’s formulations are not capable of preventing copper oxidation under the higher-temperature assembly conditions associated
with lead-free.

Uyemura's RGA Immersion Silver was developed to meet those challenges.

Process

 
Immersion silver is a simple process, with silver directly displacing copper in an immersion reaction. RGA-14 is a high productivity process.
 
The RGA Immersion Silver process is compatible with horizontal conveyorized equipment.

Properties

 
The RGA Immersion Silver deposit is uniform and meets thickness distribution criteria.
 
Excellent shelf life with proper packaging and storing conditions.
 
Ideal soldering surface under eutectic and lead-free assembly temperatures.

Plating Bath

 
The Immersion Silver plating bath is very stable because the reaction is displacement-type.
 
The RGA-14 bath does not decompose with UV light.
 
Because it is a low temperature process, RGA-14 does not attack the
substrate or the soldermask.
 
The immersion silver deposits only on copper, and not on other areas (such as can be seen with auto-catalytic baths).
 
   
PRESA RMK-20 Immersion Tin

Presa RMK-20 is an immersion tin process that deposits a uniform
co-planar tin surface on the copper substrate. The finish meets the
requirements of soldering and press fit connections.

Advantages of Presa RMK-20:

 
RMK-20 is a simple four-step process with relatively low operating
temperature.
 
It is compatible with all aqueous soldermasks.
 
It has superior thickness distribution.
 
It is an ideal surface for “Lead free” soldering applications.
   
DIG Direct Immersion Gold on Copper

The Direct Immersion Gold process deposits a thin coating of immersion
gold directly on the copper substrate. It is the best choice for a solderable
surface, eliminating the shortcomings of other finishes.

It is ideally suited for “Lead Free” higher temperature assembly
conditions. The gold coating is 1-2 micro inches (0.02– 0.05 microns).
DIG is in direct competition with OSP finishes.

TCU-36 and TCU-41 are two versions of this process that can be custom
tailored to meet specific manufacturing needs. Read our recent article
entitled "Solder Joint Reliability of Gold Surface Finishes for PWB Assembled
with Lead Free SAC Alloy"

   
Electrolytic Nickel Gold

Uyemura offers a broad range of electrolytic nickel processes;
sulfate, sulfamate and “High Throw” electrolytic nickel. “Thru
–Nic” electrolytic gold processes are available for hard or soft gold,
depending on customer requirements.

Uyemura offers top of the line platinized titanium anodes for
gold plating. The platinum is deposited from a molten bath that avoids
micro-pores and micro-cracks found in traditionally produced anodes.

   
Acid/Alkaline Cleaners
   
Stripping Solutions

Solutions for gold and silver stripping are also available from Uyemura.
   
Acid Copper DC Electroplate

“Via filling” connects the different layers in buildup technology (stacked
vias and vias in pad) manufacturing. This improves the long-term reliability
of the PCB and the package.

“Thru-Cup EVF-R” is a unique organic additive system, which fills
blind vias with electroplated copper using vertical plating equipment.

The additive components are readily analyzed using CVS and Hull cell
techniques. The organic additives are very stable and do not require
regeneration. Carbon treatment is recommended at a frequency of
2000AH/L of bath (approximately annually). The ratios of the inorganic
components are different from traditional acid copper plating.

The “Thru-Cup EVF-R” system is based on DC rectification. It operates in
most existing equipment, with “circular knife edge” agitation and good
air sparging.

The system plates vias as small as 30 microns and as large as 145
microns.

Plating occurs at 20 ASF for 60 to 90 minutes. Less time gives less than
0.5 mil on the surface. The process has higher than average productivity
for this level of sophistication in plating. MORE INFO on Acid Copper Plating.

“Thru-Cup EVF-R” system advantages:


 
High productivity plating at 20 ASF for less than 90 minutes
 
Produces minimum (<15%) “Dimple” and low surface thickness
 
Proven in production environment
 
No special equipment needed
 
No need for expensive, complex pulse plating rectification
 
No regeneration
 

Carbon treatment every 10-12 months.

 

Now available: multi-functional EVF-T. While EVF-R fills blind vias,
EVF-T fills blind vias and plates through holes simultaneously.
Learn more

   

Copper Gobbler™

Copper Gobbler™ is a revolutionary metallic copper dissolution system
and a key component of the EZ Plate System™.

Copper Gobbler dissolves pure copper chips into sulfuric-acid-based
copper plating solutions. It is a simpler, less-expensive alternative
to systems which use copper sulfate, copper oxide, or copper phosphate
as the source to replenish copper in non-soluble anode plating baths.

Copper Gobbler™ is a trademark of Optimum Process Technologies, LLC.
MORE INFO

Features:

 
Available in 0 – 25 lb. per hour modules
 
Compact size
 
Simple to operate
 
Heavy duty construction
 
Utilizes inexpensive scrap copper
 
Low initial cost
EZ Plate™ is a trademark of Network Electronic Marketing, Inc.
   
Anodes for Acid Copper Plating

Synergy™ anodes are electrocatalyzed titanium (mixed metal oxide) anodes
for plating Printed Wiring Boards. The Synergy anodes’ patented coating
formulation operates with industry standard plating additives while improving
board plating characteristics.

Synergy anodes provide high quality, long life performance that
industry expects from ELTECH.

Synergy anodes are offered in standard and custom fabricated designs to
ensure optimum performance.

Performance Advantages:

 
Improved copper plating distribution
 
1:1 surface to through-hole uniformity
 
Elimination of nodules and surface sanding
 
Elimination of anode sludge
 
Improved yield
 
Eliminates tedious anode maintenance
 
Safer operation with light weight titanium anodes
 
Operates at increased current density

Synergy anodes improve straight line throwing power. Copper plates
deep into high aspect ratio holes and blind vias, producing 1:1 surface
to through hole plating distributions. Synergy anode technology is
patent pending.

Anodes Protect Organic Additives - Synergy anodes are formulated to
protect your organic additives. Operation with Synergy anodes provides
additive consumption equivalent to soluble anode experience.

Other Applications for Synergy Anodes:

 
Copper foil production
 
Gravure cylinder plating
 
Trivalent chrome plating
 
Ni/zncl balancing anode


Commercial Experience - ”We have commercially operated ELTECH’s
Synergy anodes in our PAL line for 18+ months. The benefits that we’ve
seen using Synergy anodes include nodule-free boards, improved copper
plating distribution, increased board throughput, ease of plating operation
and reduced maintenance. Additionally, we have operated with our traditional
bath chemistry, and observed no additional brightener consumption, compared
to soluble copper anodes.”

Gerard O’Brien
Director of Material Test, Reliability and Technology
Photocircuits Corp.

Custom Designed for Optimum Performance – Each customer’s requirements
are evaluated and a system designed to ensure optimum performance in
surface distribution and throwing power, with maximum efficiency in product throughput, maintenance and labor. MORE INFO

Synergy is a trademark of ELTECH Systems Corporation.

   
Thru-Cup EPL

Thru-Cup EPL is a new “High Throwing Power” acid copper additive
formulation for printed wiring board plating applications. It is designed
for today's high aspect ratios with fine lines circuitry. It has the simplicity of
DC plating with results that can easily compete with the more complex
waveforms of pulse plating. The chemistry is very stable and does
not require continuous regeneration.

The process produces a fine-grained equiaxed copper deposit. The
leveling capability of Thru-Cup EPL overcomes irregularities on the
substrate surface and does not allow nodule growth. The deposit is
bright and ductile with excellent elongation, tensile strength and
metallurgical properties. Thru-Cup EPL can maintain these metallurgical
properties plating as low as 5 ASF (0.5 ASD) and as high as 25 ASF
(2.5ASD).

The Thru-Cup EPL is a two-component system: the carrier controls
deposit thickness uniformity, and the brightener is the grain-refining
additive. The solution components and additives have a wide operating
window and are easily controlled by standard analytical methods.

Thru-Cup EPL is compatible with both air agitation and airless agitation
(Eductor). It is also compatible with “EZ-PLATE”. EZ-PLATE is a plating
system that uses insoluble anodes with copper regeneration in a vertical
plating mode. The anodes are titanium coated with iridium oxide and a
patented synergy coating. The copper regeneration is a patented process
that utilizes the bath chemistry with air sparging to dissolve copper
external to the plating cell. MORE INFO
   
Thru-Cup ETN

Thru-Cup ETN is a new acid copper additive formulation for printed
wiring boards plating applications. It is ideally suited for vertical
conveyorized lines where plating speed is important. It is designed
for plating with current densities as high as 40 ASF or 4.0 ASD. It
has the simplicity of DC plating with results that can easily compete
with the more complex waveforms of pulse plating. The chemistry
is very stable and does not require continuous regeneration.

The process produces a fine-grained equiaxed copper deposit. The
leveling capability of Thru-Cup ETN overcomes irregularities on the
substrate surface and does not allow nodule growth. The deposit is
bright and ductile, with excellent elongation, tensile strength and
metallurgical properties.

The Thru-Cup ETN is a two-component system. The carrier controls
deposit thickness uniformity, and the brightener is the grain-refining
additive. The solution components and additives have a wide operating
window and are easily controlled by standard analytical methods.

Thru-Cup ETN is compatible with both air agitation and airless agitation
(Eductor). It is also compatible with “EZ-PLATE”. EZ-PLATE is a plating
system that uses insoluble anodes with copper regeneration in a vertical
plating mode. The anodes are titanium coated with iridium oxide and
a patented synergy coating. The copper regeneration is a patented
process that utilizes the bath chemistry with air sparging to dissolve
copper external to the plating cell. MORE INFO
   
Thru-Cup AC-90

Thru-cup AC-90 is a single-component acid copper additive system
designed for simplicity of use. It is a mixture of carrier and
brightener that has a wide operating window for general-purpose
plating. The additives are mixed in the proper ratio for use as a
single component system. MORE INFO
   
Acid Cleaners MORE INFO
   
MEC Surface Treatment

(Copper micro-roughening for adhesion)


MEC products are formulated for maximum copper roughening, topography
for organic adhesion, and replace mechanical or pumice scrubbing. The
degree of roughening is easily controlled to create the proper surface for
the specific application. In the case of horizontal conveyorized equipment,
it is simply a matter of controlling the conveyor speed.

Minimum roughening for dry film adhesion promotes superior film
adhesion that is required for fine line circuits of inner core material.
This degree of roughening allows for clean developing and for complete
resist stripping after circuitization.

Moderate roughening is ideally suited for surface preparation before
soldermask adhesion. This is particularly important to anchor soldermask
dams as low as 1.0 mil thick and to prevent chemical seepage under
the mask during final finish deposition.

Maximum roughening is needed for inner layer adhesion.
These products replace oxide treatment of the copper.
Used for this purpose, the process is completed with the
application of an anti-tarnish adhesion promoter.

   
EtchBOND CT-910

This formic acid based formulation, produces the highest level of
roughening. Used in conjunction with CL-8301 adhesion promoter,
it is the first choice for oxide replacement for inner layer lamination.
Dwell time may be reduced for copper surface preparation for
Soldermask adhesion and/or dry film application. Apply in
horizontal conveyorized mode.
   
EtchBOND CZ-5480

This nitric acid based formulation is primarily used for
copper micro roughening for dry film and soldermask applications.
Apply in horizontal conveyorized mode.
   

Electrolytic Palladium

Umicore Electrolytic Palladium 457 is a lightly alkaline (7.7 ph) palladium electrolyte that produces low-porosity coatings that are bendable, crack-free,
up to 3 μm. Stable electrolyte has a wide operating range. Compatible with
rack and barrel application; ideal for wire connectors, wire leads,
printed circuit boards.

   

Uyemura PWB finishes lead the world in plating performance. 
Products include final finishes, acid copper DC electroplate,
ENIG, gold wire bonding, electrolytic nickel gold, immersion silver
and immersion tin. Also, Electrolytic Palladium, and Copper Gobbler,
a metallic copper dissolution system central to the
EZ Plate System.

UYEMURA Corporate Headquarters:
3990 Concours, #425 • Ontario, CA 91764 • ph: (909) 466-5635

UYEMURA Tech Center:
240 Town Line Road • Southington, CT 06489 • ph: (860) 793-4011


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Uyemura is the world leader in electroless nickel/ immersion gold, immersion silver, and immersion tin; also copper etchants and acid copper finishes.