Description

Stress Characteristics

Compressive Stress– When the resist is outward. Tensile Stress– When the plated surface is outward.

Test Strip	Tensile Stress	Compressive Stress	Range, PSI	Composition
1194	Yes	Yes	1,500 – 145,000	Copper-Iron Alloy
270NI	Yes	Yes	200 – 60,000	Pure Nickel

 

Plating Procedure

Best results are obtained with a test set up similar to the above photograph. Anodes should be located at least three inches away from the Test Strip and should be positioned in a parallel plane with the Test Strip. Electrical contact should be made at the top of the Test Strip where there is a void in the masking material. The Test Strip should be immersed until only about 1″ remains above the solution level.

The plating current density should be adjusted with a given electrolyte so as not to cause deposit burning at the Test Strip’s tips, yet sufficient enough to conduct a rapid test. Preferably, the current density should be maintained at the approximate value at which the bath is normally worked.

NOTE: During plating a test strip is exposed to a uniform current density along the legs of the strip.  The plating test should be continued until the test strip legs deflect up to 20 units and with a target thickness that does not exceed approximately 100 microinches for the most accurate results.  Very low stress may show only 1-2 units.

 

Test Strip and Anode Considerations

Metallic Deposit	Test Strip	Anodes*
Cadmium	1194	Cadmium
Chromium	270NI	Lead
Cobalt	1194	Cobalt
Copper	1194	Copper
Gold	270NI	Platinum Coated Titanium
Nickel	1194, 270NI	Nickel
Palladium	1194NI	Platinum Coated Titanium
Platinum	270NI	Platinum
Rhodium	270NI	Platinum Coated Titanium
Silver	1194	Silver
Tin	1194	Tin
Zinc	1194	Zinc

*Two are required, similar in composition, shape and size. Two Anodes 2 3/8″ (61mm) x 2 3/8″ (61mm) (Can be purchased from Kocour Company).

Note: For Electroless Nickel activation is not required for Chemically induced metallic deposition.