frankwinter1 wrote:
> This subject seems to come up every now and then.
>
> I wonder if anybody has come up with information about how to metalize
> inside the via holes?
>
> I am not a chemist so please keep any information suitable for a dummy.
>
> I have tried silver paint but it is too viscous and it would need some
> suction or pressure to give a smooth surface. Also it is most
> important to me to be able to be left with a suitable hole for IC pins.
>
> My hobby is RF electronics and I need to use squillions of vias for RF
> ground connections. Some as small as 12 mil.
>
> Any solutions (pun intended) for that problem that don't involve
> buying gallons of the stuff and don't require a bank loan would be
> most useful to me.
> Frank VK4BLF (QTHR)
>
>
You have to realise that the copper electroplating step is only one of
many stages to fabricate a PTH PCB. Each of the stages, dry film
laminations, making holes conductive (or "activated" for subsequent
electroplating) and electroplating have their own problems. All require
a lot of learning and you will make many a dud PCB before gaining
confidence.
In short your best to follow Markus's advice and purchase the necessary
chemistry. Even so there is a lot to know about tank construction and
what to do when the chemistry mysteriously stops working.
Adam