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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] phosphorized copper and thru hole plating

From: Russell Shaw <rjshaw@...>
Date: 2004-04-22

Adam Seychell wrote:
> mpdickens wrote:
>
>>I have been attempting to find a cheap source of
>>phosphorized copper (Deoxified copper) for thru hole
>>plating. I know that phosphorized copper anodes are
>>typically around 5% phosphor. I have located copper
>>welding rods that contain 7% phosphor and 93% copper.
>>Further, these rods do not contain other additives.
>>
>>Does anybody know if the extra 2% phosphor will make a
>>difference when plating?
>
> I have no idea, but according to my references, the copper anodes
> should contain about 0.05% phosphor.
> I think phosphor is only important when using additives, and a
> high acid/low copper content bath. i.e the baths used for PCBs.

I've heard that phosphorized pcb copper etches easier. I've
found that copper shim stock is much harder to etch in FeCl
than pcb copper, so small additives seem to make a large
difference.