New Equipment | Education/Training
Failure Analysis Techniques for Electronics provides an overview of the characterization methods available at ACI Technologies, Inc. for determining the causes of failure in electronics devices. This publication will assist the reader in making inf
Gold embrittlement of solder joints has been a concern for many decades. SEM Lab, Inc. supports evaluation for this condition. Gold embrittlement can be avoided by careful solder joint design and knowledge of the causes of this condition. https://s
Electronics Forum | Thu Nov 11 18:39:06 EST 1999 | John Thorup
Assuming that you are going to solder them into a board rather than socket them, yes. The thickness of the gold plating in this application will usually make up a large enough percentage of the total joint to threaten enbrittlement. Use a small sol
Electronics Forum | Fri Nov 12 16:59:58 EST 1999 | John Thorup
Hi Michael While driving home last night I realized the omission in my response. I thought someone would call me on it. I should have clarified that the dissolution of the gold into the joint would be affected by the thickness of the gold plating,
Industry News | 2016-11-30 14:47:45.0
ACI Technologies invites you to download a free copy of its very popular e-booklet, “Failure Analysis Techniques for Electronics” from its Website store, which is located at http://store.aciusa.org/Failure-Analysis-Techniques-for-Electronics-Digital-Download-P181.aspx
Industry News | 2021-04-13 17:37:07.0
Gold plating dissolves rapidly during soldering and can result in gold embrittlement. This tech paper examines how to re-condition electronic components prior to soldering.
Technical Library | 2014-08-07 15:13:44.0
Gold embrittlement in SnPb solder is a well-known failure mechanism in electronic assembly. To avoid this issue, prior studies have indicated a maximum gold content of three weight percent. This study attempts to provide similar guidance for Pb-free (SAC305) solder. Standard surface mount devices were assembled with SnPb and SAC305 solder onto printed boards with various thicknesses of gold plating. The gold plating included electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) and electrolytic gold of 15, 25, 35, and 50 microinches over nickel. These gold thicknesses resulted in weight percentages between 0.4 to 7.0 weight percent.
Technical Library | 2013-01-17 15:34:33.0
The use of an electroless nickel, immersion gold (ENIG) surface finish comes with the inherent potential risk of Black Pad failures that can cause fracture embrittlement at the interface between the solder and the metal pad. As yet, there is no conclusive agreed solution to effectively eliminate Black Pad failures. The case studies presented are intended to add to the understanding of the Black Pad failure mechanism and to identify both the plating and the subsequent assembly processes and conditions that can help to prevent the likelihood of Black Pad occurring.
ACI Technologies Inc. (ACI) is a scientific research corporation dedicated to the advancement of electronics manufacturing processes and materials for The Department of Defense and industry. This video provides an overview of our commercial service
SMTnet Express, August 7, 2014, Subscribers: 23058, Members: Companies: 13975, Users: 36604 Gold Embrittlement In Lead-Free Solder. Craig Hillman, Nathan Blattau, Joelle Arnold, Thomas Johnston, Stephanie Gulbrandsen; DfR Solutions , Julie Silk
Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) | https://www.smta.org/knowledge/proceedings_abstract.cfm?PROC_ID=5255
) when the solder gold content exceeds 5% by weight. Controlling the component gold plating thickness as well as the soldering process temperature and time can prevent gold embrittlement
