The Use of High Speed Selective Jet Electrodeposition of Gold for the Plating of Connectors

Abstract

SUMMARYHigh speed selective jet electrodeposition (HSSJE) is a process by which electrodeposits can be produced at very high deposition rates, selectively, without the need for masking. Previous papers by Bocking have described the principles of the process. This paper describes the adaptation of a commercially available hard gold electrolyte to the process. Deposition rates of up to 2.5 μm/second were found to be possible under jetting conditions. The properties of the deposits produced under high speed jet conditions have been defined and compared to conventionally produced deposits of the same type. A prototype reel-to reel plating unit based on the principles of HSSJE has been built which, due to the compactness of the nozzle unit and jet cleaning process, is a fraction of the size of more conventional reel-to-reel plating units. Whilst the results of long term trials are not yet available, some initial results of the performance of connectors plated with this unit are presented.