The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Post treatment on CRS metal before plating

We are end-user for stamping parts that have been plated by supplier. Recently we have problem on the shield (CRS with matte Sn finish) doesn't stick well after reflow. Since it is very hard for us to get the information from Supplier (since our supplier bought it in raw strip and sent to their plater for plating) on how they perform the post-treatment. Since the plating thickness is within our spec. we suspect the problem arises from the pre-treatment. Do you know what type of pre-treatment normally plater use before plating?

Ng Tsuey Yean
communication device - Malaysia
2006

---

You are right in suspecting the pretreat (cleaning) process. I would look for a new supplier if your current one can't fix the problem. It is difficult to assess the plating process without more information. The bottom line is that the plater should be able to consistently supply a finished product that reflows without loss of adhesion.

("bottom line" is an idiom used by Americans to describe the important point.)

Daryl Spindler, CEF
decorative nickel-chrome plating - Greenbrier, Tennessee
2006