On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 20:44:31 +0200, Tony H <
kg4wfx@...> wrote:
> Hi all,
> I've been reading the messages and looking at some of the links on
> thru hole plating. I've also been to thinktink to read over their
> stuff.
> As thru hole plating appears to just be electroplating - I was
> curious about how to properly connect a board...
> ie: Most electroplating is (or at least appears to be from the way
> I understand it) utilizing opposite charges, where one charge is on
> the supply material (like a copper anode) and another charge on the
> receiving material (cathode tied to the circuit board). As I
> understand it all materials to receive the plating needs to be
> connected in the circuit - so how does one plate a circuit board
> where traces are not all connected to each other? By using a sheet
> of metal pinned to the circuit board to make sure all traces are
> tied to the cathode?
> I realize what I have written probably at the very least appears
> confusing, but unfortunately, I am confused at this point. Any help
> would be most appreciated.
> -Tony
You plate before you etch the traces, then all is still connected.
for small stuff, for example gold plating edge connectors, you can connect
the fingers at the end and cut the connection away later.
ST