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Subject: Re: Plating thruholes. Is ther an easy way ?

From: "Dave Mucha" <dave_mucha@...>
Date: 2004-07-30

> > This is not for the faint of heart nor a simple one shot project.
>
> This is very true. The electroplating, and application of your own
> photoresists is the other major parts of the PTH process.
>
> In addition to etching, and photo imaging, you must;
>
> 1) cleaning PCB surface to prepare for electroplating.
> 2) ability to apply your own dry film photoresist
> 3) give holes the ability to plate.
> 4) setup acid copper electroplating tank with proprietary additives.
>
> There are several methods of doing (3), such as with carbon
dispersion,
> electroless copper solutions, or with palladium colloid
solutions. I
> believe Markus's setup is using the palladium colloid solutions.
All
> three processes have their problems, and I would say the most
critical
> step in the process.
>
> Let me know if you have any questions.
>
> Adam

I think we have all been looking for a simple way to plate thru-holes.

I know that when I run into this problem, I try to use a resistor or
some other thru hole part as the connection and then solder both
sides.

Since most of use use boards that are less than about 6" x 6" the
size of a tank should not be terribly large.

Any ideas on a a simple way to do plating

Dave