Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Materials compatible with Plating Solutions

May 12, 2009

Hi,

This is a great forum. My kudos to some of the experts here. I am researching materials for Plating Racks/Jigs. The racks will be used to carry very delicate Si wafers with a Seed Copper layer. I am looking for a exhaustive list of materials (for both conductor and insulator) that are compatible with:

Acidic Copper Plating solution
Acidic Tin Plating solution
Nitric Rack strip solution

Along with the materials, if applicable manufacturing processes are identified it would be very beneficial. Also what would be typical/ max life of the racks/jigs in a 24/7 work environment with proper stripping, rinsing and other maintenance. Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Kal Ganti
R&D - San Jose, California, USA

---

Hi Cal,
I know plastisol coated jigs with copper conductors are the norm for these plating solutions. As far as wafer plating, there have been great advancements over the past 20 years for racks and compact plating machines. There is a local office in San Jose for Technic, Inc. They are very familiar with wafer plating. Good Luck!

Mark Baker
Fellow Plater - Syracuse, NY, USA
May 27, 2009

---

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the response. But does plastisol coating offer uniform flat surfaces with close tolerances for Si Wafers to sit on?

I appreciate your reference to Technic and I will definitely follow up with them.

Regards,
Kal

Kal Ganti
- San Jose, CA, US
May 29, 2009