Letter 7024

UBAC Bright Acid Copper High Speed 

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We are currently in need of info on "UBAC" copper plating on stainless steel. Our customer specifies "Udylite Bright Acid Copper" plating on 304 stainless steel that is brazed onto a part made of OFE copper.

Our regular platers in SF Bay area say that all "Bright Acid Copper" is the same, but the customer (government) will not accept it. None use "Udylite".

Customer claims that the "RF, radio frequency" is most desirable with only "Udylite".

Can we prove them wrong? Can we meet the requirement?

We must mask the OFE copper as no buildup is allowed, however, no stainless may remain uncoated either. Will the UBAC process harm or deposit onto the copper if it is exposed? Thickness to be .0008 to .002.

The part is extremely expensive and the customer wants all documentation, certs and written procedures.

Jeff Olson
Applied Fusion - San Leandro, Ca. USA

Your information is correct that UBAC is a proprietary acid copper process. It is now manufactured by Enthone OMI which purchased Udylite some time back (and has since been purchased itself).

Functionally many other acid copper processes may suffice. They are generally divided into "dye type chemistry" and non dye types. The non dye types are the newer products. Frequently a specific manufacturers product gets written into a specification when it is developed and you need to get a waiver from your client if possible. Otherwise, you might try to contact Enthone (West Haven Ct) to find a shop that is using the UBAC process.

Gene Packman
- Syosset, NY

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