The Function of Plating

Plating is a surface covering in which a metal is deposited on a conductive surface. It is used to decorate objects, for corrosion inhibition, to improve solderability, to harden, to improve wearability, to reduce friction, to alter conductivity, and for other purposes. Plating techniques include electroplating, vapor deposition under vacuum and sputter deposition. 

Recently, plating is used frequently in PCB industry. After your PCB is etched and rinsed, plating a coat for your exposed copper on PCBs is necessary which can largely prevent surface oxidation of bare copper. So you can make sure that your finished PCBs will be able to remain solderable and work properly on your application or project. Every coin has its two sides, so you’d better know advantages and disadvantages about each type of coating, and research your options before making your final decision. If you use the wrong type of coating for your PCBs, your finished PCBs will possibly ineffective and your application maybe won’t work properly as you expected. 

For more information and to get your questions answered about the different steps of PCB fabrication, please contact a representative at EPCB.