Homebrew PCBs

> That's basically the mechanism behind plating additives. But there is a 
> lot of things going on and all plating additives consists of a number of 
> compounds, each specifically doing a job, and some are working together. 
> The fact is electrochemists don't really know exactly how additives work. 
> Developing a new plating additive its an art, not a science.
>
> As I said, you buy additives from electroplating suppliers. If you cannot 
> find any electroplating suppliers who sell the correct acid tin sulfate 
> plating additive, then find a business who electroplates tin and ask them 
> who their supplier is for the additive they use.
>
> Did you get pricing for the stannous sulfate ? When I was quoted AUD$500 
> for a 25 kg bag, I looked at other options. A bit of research and a $5 
> plant pot solved my problem.
>
>

I have no pricing, but i will write a mail and ask the guys..

maybe a good opportunity to ask them if they know where to get the 
additives...


other german supplier lists stannous sulfate at 15eur / kg. these prices 
are pretty close to where i buy, most time my shop is a bit cheaper.


I know it is hard to get chemicals in small quantitys.
I'm glad to have this shop. It is the biggest shop of this kind in Austria 
and it happens
that it is in 5 minute walking distance from my University.
It has split off of a big chemicals supplyer for the industry here, and it
is dedicated for very small quantitys. You can get everything in whichever 
tiny quantity you want.
You don't need to stick to packing units, they weigh how much you want in 
nice bottles or cans.


Another source for solid tin may be these awful plates and vases and 
drinking vessels.
Most of them are ugly and i don't think they are expensive. One may just 
melt the ugly stuff and cast anodes with it.. much easier than finding 
ingots.


regards
st