Why is PCB Edge Plating Important?

PCB edge plating is important for several reasons:

1. Corrosion Protection: The exposed copper layers on the edges of a PCB are susceptible to corrosion, especially in harsh environments. Edge plating creates a protective barrier that prevents corrosion and extends the life of the PCB.

2. Improved Conductivity: Edge plating improves the electrical conductivity of the PCB by creating a low-resistance path for current to flow between the layers of the board.

3. Enhanced Mechanical Strength: Edge plating reinforces the mechanical strength of the PCB, making it more resistant to damage from handling and vibration.

4. Better Aesthetics: Edge plating gives the PCB a clean, finished look that is more aesthetically pleasing than exposed copper edges.

How is PCB Edge Plating Done?

The PCB edge plating process typically involves the following steps:

1. Cleaning: The PCB is cleaned to remove any dirt, grease, or other contaminants that could interfere with the plating process.

2. Activation: The edges of the PCB are activated with a special solution to help the plating adhere better to the copper.

3. Plating: The PCB is immersed in a plating bath containing the desired metal, usually gold. An electric current is applied to the bath, causing the metal to bond to the activated edges of the PCB.

4. Rinsing and Drying: After plating, the PCB is rinsed with water to remove any excess plating solution and then dried.

PCB Edge Plating Metals

While gold is the most common metal used for PCB edge plating, other metals can also be used depending on the specific requirements of the application. Some of the metals used for edge plating include:

Metal	Advantages	Disadvantages
Gold	Excellent corrosion resistance, good conductivity	Expensive
Nickel	Good corrosion resistance, less expensive than gold	Lower conductivity than gold
Tin	Inexpensive, good solderability	Poor corrosion resistance
Copper	Good conductivity, inexpensive	Poor corrosion resistance

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Benefits of PCB Edge Plating

PCB edge plating offers several benefits that make it an important part of the PCB manufacturing process:

1. Improved Reliability

Edge plating protects the PCB from corrosion, which can cause electrical failures and reduce the overall reliability of the board. By creating a protective barrier on the edges of the PCB, edge plating helps to ensure that the board will continue to function properly even in harsh environments.

2. Increased Durability

Edge plating reinforces the mechanical strength of the PCB, making it more resistant to damage from handling and vibration. This is especially important for PCBs that will be used in applications where they will be subject to frequent handling or vibration, such as in automotive or aerospace applications.

3. Better Signal Integrity

Edge plating improves the electrical conductivity of the PCB by creating a low-resistance path for current to flow between the layers of the board. This can help to improve signal integrity and reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is important for high-speed or high-frequency applications.

4. Enhanced Aesthetics

Edge plating gives the PCB a clean, finished look that is more aesthetically pleasing than exposed copper edges. This can be important for applications where the appearance of the PCB is important, such as in consumer electronics.

Applications of PCB Edge Plating

PCB edge plating is used in a wide range of applications, including:

1. Automotive Electronics: PCBs used in automotive applications are often subject to harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, vibration, and exposure to chemicals. Edge plating helps to protect these PCBs from corrosion and ensures that they will continue to function properly over the life of the vehicle.

2. Aerospace Electronics: PCBs used in aerospace applications must be able to withstand extreme conditions, including high altitudes, temperature fluctuations, and vibration. Edge plating helps to reinforce the mechanical strength of these PCBs and ensures that they will continue to function properly even in these harsh environments.

3. Medical Devices: PCBs used in medical devices must be reliable and durable to ensure patient safety. Edge plating helps to protect these PCBs from corrosion and ensures that they will continue to function properly over the life of the device.

4. Consumer Electronics: PCBs used in consumer electronics, such as smartphones and laptops, must be reliable and aesthetically pleasing. Edge plating helps to improve the reliability and durability of these PCBs while also giving them a clean, finished look.

Choosing the Right PCB Edge Plating Method

There are several different methods that can be used for PCB edge plating, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common methods include:

1. Electroplating

Electroplating is the most common method used for PCB edge plating. In this method, the PCB is immersed in a plating bath containing the desired metal, and an electric current is applied to the bath to cause the metal to bond to the edges of the PCB. Electroplating is a fast and efficient method that can be used to plate large numbers of PCBs at once.

2. Immersion Plating

Immersion plating is a simpler and less expensive method than electroplating. In this method, the PCB is simply immersed in a plating bath containing the desired metal, and the metal bonds to the edges of the PCB through a chemical reaction. Immersion plating is slower than electroplating and may not produce as uniform a coating, but it can be a good option for low-volume production or prototyping.

3. Electroless Plating

Electroless plating is similar to immersion plating in that it does not require an external electrical current. Instead, the plating solution contains a reducing agent that causes the metal to bond to the edges of the PCB through a chemical reaction. Electroless plating can produce a more uniform coating than immersion plating and is often used for plating non-conductive materials.

The choice of plating method will depend on several factors, including:

• The specific requirements of the application
• The volume of production
• The available equipment and facilities
• The cost and time constraints of the project

Common Issues with PCB Edge Plating

While PCB edge plating offers many benefits, there are also some common issues that can arise during the plating process. Some of these issues include:

1. Uneven Plating

Uneven plating can occur if the edges of the PCB are not properly activated before plating or if the plating solution is not properly mixed or maintained. This can lead to areas of the PCB that have too much or too little plating, which can affect the electrical and mechanical properties of the board.

2. Peeling or Flaking

Peeling or flaking of the plating can occur if the edges of the PCB are not properly cleaned before plating or if the plating adhesion is poor. This can expose the underlying copper and lead to corrosion or other issues.

3. Contamination

Contamination of the plating solution can occur if the PCB is not properly cleaned before plating or if the plating equipment is not properly maintained. This can lead to impurities in the plating that can affect its performance or appearance.

To avoid these issues, it is important to follow proper cleaning and activation procedures, maintain the plating equipment and solutions, and use high-quality plating materials and processes.

Conclusion

PCB edge plating is an important process that offers many benefits for PCBs used in a wide range of applications. By creating a protective barrier on the edges of the PCB, edge plating helps to improve reliability, durability, signal integrity, and aesthetics. There are several different methods that can be used for edge plating, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By choosing the right plating method and following proper procedures, manufacturers can ensure that their PCBs will perform reliably and effectively over their entire lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of PCB edge plating?

The purpose of PCB edge plating is to protect the exposed copper layers on the edges of the PCB from corrosion and to improve the electrical conductivity and mechanical strength of the board.

2. What metals can be used for PCB edge plating?

Gold is the most common metal used for PCB edge plating, but other metals such as nickel, tin, and copper can also be used depending on the specific requirements of the application.

3. What are the benefits of PCB edge plating?

The benefits of PCB edge plating include improved reliability, increased durability, better signal integrity, and enhanced aesthetics.

4. What are some common applications of PCB edge plating?

PCB edge plating is commonly used in automotive electronics, aerospace electronics, medical devices, and consumer electronics.

5. What are some common issues that can arise during PCB edge plating?

Some common issues that can arise during PCB edge plating include uneven plating, peeling or flaking, and contamination. These issues can be avoided by following proper cleaning and activation procedures, maintaining the plating equipment and solutions, and using high-quality plating materials and processes.