4000 Challenge

Send for our FREE 4000 test challenge!

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Can Your Electroless do this?

Compare the interconnect integrity of the Electrochemicals 4000 process to that of other through-hole metalization processes throughout the industry.

To receive your free test coupon packages, or ask for further details regarding the Electroless Copper 4000 process, please call your local sales representative or Ben Carroll at +01 763 479 2008 ext.113.

The Challenge

We will send you 2 sets of test coupons packaged separately. One coupon has been desmeared and processed through the 4000 Electroless Copper and is labeled accordingly. The other coupon has only been desmeared and is intended for the sake of the metalization comparison.

The test procedure

All the parts were desmeared together in panel form before being sheared into coupons. If the coupons are desmeared again, the direct comparison is lost and the test is invalid.
For vertical processing through an electroless process, the coupon should be attached to the rack with a copper wire.
Horizontal processing through a direct metalization process may require the coupon be taped to a leader board.
After processing through the comparative metalization, both of the coupons should be labeled. If a blind test is desired, each coupon should be numbered and recorded in a secure, but memorable, place. The coupons should be acid copper plated to 1.2-1.5 mils of copper. Due to the relative small size of the coupon, racking issues could be encountered, in which case the coupons can simply be returned to Electrochemicals for completion.
Once copper plated, the coupons should be sent back to Electrochemicals for analysis. Up to 2 sections can be taken prior to shipping for on-site testing if desired. All results will be shared entirely.

Our testing and evaluation

After 1.2-1.5 mils of copper plating has been applied to the coupons, 2 sections are routed and solder shocked 10 times at 550°F. Between each solder shock, the coupons are cooled to room temperature and flipped.
Evaluation of the cross-section is done before and after a light etch