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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Tinning the board?

From: "Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@...>
Date: 2005-11-22

On Tue, 22 Nov 2005 16:40:51 +0100, Dave <wa4qal@...> wrote:

> Years ago, I used to use an electroless Tin plating solution
>
> based on Stannous Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, and Sodium Cyanide.
>
> It produced a beautiful plating, but was a bit of a pain to work
>
> with. If you left it exposed to air, it would oxidize fairly
>
> quickly. If you splashed in a bit of acid, it would evolve
>
> Cynaide gas, which would rapidly kill everyone in the room.
>
> If you didn't have the temperature quite right, it wouldn't
>
> give you a good plating.
>
>
> I've since given up on it, and usually just solder the boards
>
> now.
>
>
> Dave
>


The current electroless solutions aren't that much better, containing
thiurea which is a known carcinogenic substance.

ST