
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
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Tin whiskers on lead
2002
Hi,
I am a newly hired technician in a semicon company. I just want to know more about tin whiskers? What is the main cause of tin whiskers? And how to eliminate this problem?
Thanks!
- Manila, Philippines
2002
It has been years since I dealt with this but I recall that tin whisker occur under a compressively stress situation. Worse if the bath is fouled with epoxy. This also occurs in zinc and cad. Occurrance can occur years later. To deter this effect I think the US military spec called for a 3% min of co-deposited lead. At the time I pushed for a tin/bismuth deposit for environmental reasons but was ruled down at Mil-Spec review. Collins radio spells out a tin/bismuth. Dig deep and you will find better answers better than I have.
Jon Quirt- Fridley, Minnesota

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