Hard Gold PCBs
Hard gold PCBs are durable and offer a range of advantages over their ENIG counterparts. They can withstand multiple use cycles and are ideal for sensitive applications.
The nickel underplate in hard electrolytic gold helps bear the contact load and reduces cracking. It also protects the soft gold layer from erosion and corrosion.
It is four times harder than solid gold
The hardness of gold is a common misconception. While it may be soft compared to cheese or your head, it is still much harder than steel. Gold is actually quite hard – it has the Mohs scale of hardness 7, which means it can be scratched only by diamonds. But it is softer than copper and silver, both of which have a Mohs scale of 8.
In the PCB world, electroplated hard gold is often used for contact points and edge connector fingers (gold finger). These gold surfaces must be highly resistant to sliding wear, and they hard gold must be able to withstand thousands of cycles. Hard gold is the ideal choice for this application.
Hard gold is created by alloying non-noble elements, such as cobalt, nickel or iron, into the gold deposit. These additions alter the deposit’s grain structure, producing a finer texture that resists sliding wear more effectively.
Moreover, this technology eliminates the use of cyanide, making it a more environmentally friendly process. It also reduces the overall weight of the product, resulting in a more compact and lightweight jewelry piece. It can also be molded into more intricate shapes than regular gold, allowing for a wide range of styles. This new technology has opened up a whole new market for jewelry designers, who can now create intricate designs with greater ease and precision.
It is durable
Gold is a noble metal and is known to resist corrosion and other weather elements. It is also a popular material for jewelry because it is durable and shiny. However, pure gold is too soft to withstand the stresses of everyday wear and tear, so it is alloyed with other metals to create a tougher finish. This is how the karat system is used, which refers to the percentage of other metals in an all-gold piece. In addition to increasing hardness, alloys also add color and durability.
A new technique for making gold even more durable has been developed by researchers in Switzerland. The team at EPFL and Swiss watchmaker Hublot have created a gold coating that is scratch-resistant, but it is not yet commercially available. The resulting finish is expected to be found in high-end watches, but it may be used in other products as well.
Hard electrolytic gold is an alloy of gold and other metals and is typically applied to high-wear areas, such as edge connector fingers and keypads on PCBs. This finish has a higher resistance to force friction than other surfaces and is suitable for places that require heavy usage. However, it is expensive and has poor solderability, so it is not often used in solderable applications.
When selecting a gold plating method, it is important to consider the product’s end-use and environment. The type of gold that is selected will affect everything from how the item performs in high temperatures to its ability to stand up to moisture.
It is beautiful
Gold has always been the most beautiful of metals. Its color is rich and warm, whether in the lustrous brightness of yellow gold jewelry, the icy elegance of white gold, or the smooth warmth of rose gold. It’s also malleable, which allows it to be bent and shaped without breaking or losing its shape. However, pure gold is too soft to make jewelry and is very heavy, so jewelers mix it with other metals to achieve the desired look.
The softer texture of traditional gold makes it susceptible to scratches and wear, and it is harder to maintain its intricate patterns over time. Hard gold, on the other hand, has a much higher hardness rating than traditional gold. This makes it resistant to wear, abrasion, and corrosion. Additionally, it has the added benefit of being more affordable and comfortable to wear.
Unlike traditional gold, 3D hard gold is made from hollow nanoelectric casting technology. This allows jewelers to create a more precise and detailed design while maintaining the same volume. The process also reduces the weight of the finished piece by 30%, making it more affordable and easier to wear. Additionally, the process uses a non-toxic, low-cost replacement for cyanide-based aqueous electrolytes. Choline chloride-urea ionic liquid was used as the electrolyte with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin as complexing agent and Co2+ to promote grain size refinement and hardening.
It is perfect for PCBs
Hard gold is ideal for PCBs because it can withstand high levels of wear and tear over time. It can also withstand vibration and shock. It is also a good choice for aerospace components, which are often subject to extreme environments. Hard gold PCBs are more expensive than traditional copper ones, but they offer superior durability and lifespan.
Hard-gold plated circuit boards are used in a Hard Gold PCB Supplier wide variety of applications. They can be found in handheld barcode scanners and smart industrial machines. They are also common in laptops and desktop computers. These circuit boards are designed with both buried and blind vias to ensure that they can handle high amounts of contact force. In addition, they can withstand a high level of electrical conductivity.
When purchasing a hard-gold plated PCB, it is important to select a supplier that uses a reputable testing procedure. These tests include voltage and current measurements, analog and digital step tests, impedance tests, thermal shock testing, and inspection using optical equipment. Some companies also perform additional evaluations based on customer requirements or regulations.
To avoid corrosion and grime buildup on a PCB, make sure it is clean after each use. Cleaning with a chemical solution will remove any contaminants and keep the board functioning properly. Also, be sure to keep it dry so that it does not corrode or become damaged by moisture.
