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Alternative to nickel strike for circuit board fingers

We are working on an Air Force P2 need that requires an alternative to nickel plating on circuit board fingers used in multiple AF weapons systems and support equipment. The application is a 1 micron nickel strike deposited on the fingers for strength prior to depositing copper for conductance. An alternative to nickel is needed if future environmental regulations institute a reduction in nickel usage. Any thoughts or suggestions of current research?

Susan Brandick
CTC - Johnstown, Pennsylvania
2002

Switch to Cobalt. It has very similar properties and application methods are identical to nickel. Costs more at times, but you are talking about a very limited amount of actual metal.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2002

Susan, have you explored the possibility of using vacuum coatings, e.g., Copper, Aluminum, Titanium or others ? Depositing 1 micron thickness of any of these economically would not be a problem.

Mandar Sunthankar
- Fort Collins, Colorado
2002