Surface Finishes Used on Printed Circuit Assemblys
The right surface finish on a printed circuit assembly (PCB) is critical for making sure the assembly process runs smoothly. It enhances solderability, protects exposed copper, and improves the durability of the PCB. The surface finish on a PCB also impacts the way it conducts electricity. There are several different types of surface finishes, and each one comes with its own pros and cons.
When choosing the surface finish on a printed circuit assembly, it’s important to consider the environment in which it will be used and how much wear and tear it may experience. It’s also important to consider the type of components being placed on the board, as some require a smoother surface than others. There are five common types of surface finishes used on PCBs: Hot Air Solder Leveling (HASL), Organic Solderability Preservative (OSP), Tin-Lead HASL, Lead-Free HASL, and Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG).
HASL is the most commonly used surface finish for PCBs. It’s applied after the solder mask and involves dipping the board in molten solder. This results in a flat finish, but it isn’t ideal for SMT (surface mount technology) components due to the lack of a smooth surface. HASL is also not as good for etching or drilling holes, and it can result in tin whiskers if the boards aren’t handled properly.
Types of Surface Finishes Used on Printed Circuit Assemblys
Another popular surface finish for PCBs is tin-lead HASL, which is a good choice for cost-conscious customers. This finish is RoHS compliant, but it’s not a good choice for fine-pitch components. It can also cause problems with the copper-tin interface, leading to weak joints.
Finally, there is Lead-Free HASL, which is an improvement on tin-lead HASL by eliminating the lead. This finish is more durable than tin-lead HASL and can be used for SMT and through-hole technology, but it’s not suitable for high reliability applications or environments with high temperatures.
Component placement is a pivotal stage in PCB assembly, where surface mount devices (SMDs) and through-hole components are precisely positioned onto the PCB according to the design specifications. Advanced pick-and-place machines automate this process, rapidly and accurately positioning components with micron-level precision. Surface mount technology (SMT) has largely replaced through-hole technology (THT) due to its efficiency, space-saving advantages, and compatibility with automated assembly processes.
ENIG is a better choice than tin-lead or HASL for high-quality PCBs that need to withstand extreme conditions. It features a layer of nickel and gold, which is highly durable and can resist corrosion. It also holds up well to multiple reflow cycles and is good for wire bonding. The downside of this type of finish is that it’s more expensive than other finishes. However, it’s worth the extra investment if you need a long-lasting, high-quality PCB.
