Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials Develops Electrolytic Hard Gold Plating Process that Reduces Gold Consumption
Share:
Tokyo, Japan, October 24, 2006 - Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials announced the development of "RONOVEL(TM) CS100," a new electrolytic hard gold plating solution that is capable of minimizing gold deposition onto unwanted areas during gold plating of components, such as connectors.
Today gold plating is extensively used in electronic equipment and electronic components due to its excellent electrical properties and corrosion resistance. In particular, hard gold plating (Au-Co alloy), which provides high hardness, low contact resistance and superb wear resistance, is a product and technology essential for making reliable contacts in connectors and switches. As a connector finish, hard gold is required to maintain high electrical performance over extended periods of time. However, since gold plating is expensive, it is increasingly required to achieve thinner films over increasingly smaller areas of deposition. To respond to such demands, the industry is making improvements such as increased mask accuracy of the plating systems. Naturally, it is a significant benefit if plating solutions are able to suppress deposition onto those areas that are not specified to be plated.
RONOVEL(TM) CS100 plating process is designed to electrolytically deposit a Au-Co alloy suitable for electronic applications. Deposits produced from the RONOVEL(TM) CS-100 plating process meet the requirements of ASTM B-488 Type 2, 3 Code C, D. Since the process uses a low gold metal content (standard gold metal concentration is 4 g/L) and is still capable of achieving a large operating current density range of 5 to 60 A/dm2, the solution helps reduce drag-out costs. In addition, it minimizes "bleed" deposition under masked areas while reducing immersion plating, due to the use of a special additive designed for this purpose. As a result, the RONOVELTM CS-100 plating process succeeds in drastically reducing deposition onto unwanted areas in partial plating applications, such as spot plating.
This product is not only effective in cost reduction, but also supports various working environments and achieves simpler solution control than conventional processes. It goes without saying that its performance, such as hardness, wear resistance and wetting properties, achieves the same or higher level than existing products. RONOVEL(TM) CS100 electrolytic hard gold plating solution allows ease of use and cost reduction while maintaining high performance.
During the last year, Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials developed the RONOVEL(TM) CS100 plating process at its R&D facility in Saitama City. In addition, tests have been conducted in cooperation with an advanced electronic component plating manufacturer in Japan. As a result, the product has received a high evaluation, and sale of the product to connector, electronic component and subcontracted plating manufacturers has recently begun. RONOVEL(TM) CS100 plating process is now in full-scale operation at leading connector manufacturers.
About Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials
Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials develops and delivers innovative material solutions and processes to the electronic and optoelectronic industries. Focused on the circuit board, semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging industries, its products and technologies are integral elements in electronic devices around the world.
Products from the Packaging and Finishing Technologies business include reliable interconnects for electronic packaging, high-performance surface finishes for electronics, EMI shielding of electronic devices, cost-effective optoelectronic components, corrosion resistant coatings for industrial articles, and decorative treatments for metal and plastic surfaces. The business is headquartered in Freeport, NY, and maintains manufacturing, research and sales facilities throughout the world.
About Rohm and Haas Company
Leading the way since 1909, Rohm and Haas is a global pioneer in the creation and development of innovative technologies and solutions for the specialty materials industry. The company's technologies are found in a wide range of markets including: Building and Construction, Electronics, Food and Retail, Household and Personal Care, Industrial Process, Packaging, Paper, Transportation and Water. Our innovative technologies and solutions help to improve life every day, around the world. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the company generated annual sales of approximately $8 billion in 2005. Visit www.rohmhaas.com for more information.
imagine the possibilities(TM)
CONTACTS:
Japan
Kumiko Caldeira
Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials
+81-3-6238-4214
kcaldeira@rohmhaas.com
US
Jeremy Cole
Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials
508-229-7047
jfcole@rohmhaas.com
