The immersion gold process plays an important role in improving the quality and performance of PCB boards. The main purpose of this process is to prevent oxidation of the copper solder joints on the circuit board, which can lead to poor electrical conductivity and performance. By depositing a layer of nickel-gold coating on the surface of the printed circuit, immersion gold provides stable color, good brightness, smooth coating, and excellent solderability, effectively enhancing the overall reliability and functionality of the PCB board.

2. The advantages of immersion gold

In addition to preventing oxidation, immersion gold also offers other advantages. The coating provides a flat surface for soldering, ensuring good solderability and making it easier to solder components onto the PCB board. The gold coating also improves the electrical properties of the circuit by ensuring a stable and reliable connection. Furthermore, the use of immersion gold can prolong the service life of the PCB board by protecting it from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and other contaminants.

3. The process of immersion gold

The immersion gold process involves the use of chemical deposition to produce a layer of metal plating on the surface of the circuit board through chemical redox reactions. This process starts with the cleaning and micro-etching of the PCB board to prepare the surface for plating. The next step involves the activation of the board with a palladium catalyst, which promotes adhesion between the nickel and gold layers. The final step is the immersion of the board in a gold solution, leading to the deposition of a thin layer of gold on the surface.

In conclusion, the immersion gold process is a crucial step in the production of high-quality PCB boards. By providing a protective and reliable coating, immersion gold enhances the performance and durability of PCB boards, ensuring their suitability for a wide range of electronic applications.

2. Immersion gold can improve the surface treatment of PCB boards

The immersion gold process offers several advantages for the surface treatment of printed circuit boards. It produces a stable and bright color, a flat coating, and excellent solderability. Typically, the thickness of immersion gold ranges from 1-3 Uinch, resulting in a thicker gold layer compared to other surface treatment methods. As a result, immersion gold is widely used in circuit boards such as key boards and gold finger boards due to its strong electrical conductivity, good oxidation resistance, and long service life.

3. Advantages of circuit boards using immersion gold boards

1) The bright and attractive appearance of immersion gold boards can enhance customer appeal.

2) The crystal structure formed by immersion gold facilitates easier welding and ensures better performance and quality.

3) The presence of nickel gold only on the pad of immersion gold boards does not affect the signal transmission, as the signal transmission in the skin effect occurs in the copper layer.

4) The stable metal properties and compact crystal structure of gold make it resistant to oxidation reactions.

5) The combination of solder mask and copper layer on the circuit of immersion gold boards provides a stronger bond, reducing the likelihood of micro-short circuits.

6) Making compensations without affecting the spacing is convenient for work.

7) The stress of immersion gold boards can be easily controlled, providing a better user experience.

4. The difference between immersion gold and gold fingers

Gold fingers are brass contacts that act as conductors between the memory stick and the memory slot, facilitating the transmission of signals. Gold fingers are typically gold-plated and arranged like fingers. In contrast, immersion gold is a surface treatment process for circuit boards. While gold fingers are traditionally gold-plated, the use of tin plating is becoming more common due to the high cost of gold. This distinction is important, as gold fingers play a crucial role in signal transmission and conduction on the circuit board. It is important to note that, in the current market, gold fingers may not actually be gold-plated, with many opting for tin plating instead due to its lower cost. However, some high-performance server/workstation accessories still use gold plating for the contact points, albeit at a higher cost.

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