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January 13, 2025 - San Mateo, California -
Immersion Tin, also known as White Tin, stands out as a RoHS-compliant (lead-free)
PCB surface finish ideal for flat surface needs and fine pitch components.
San Francisco Circuits' application of Immersion Tin involves applying a thin layer of tin onto the copper layer of
a PCB, offering exceptional flatness that supports small geometries and surface
mount components. This finish is also one of the most cost-effective immersion coatings,
making it a popular choice for budget-conscious designs.
Despite its affordability, Immersion Tin has some limitations, including a shorter
shelf life (3-6 months) and susceptibility to tin whiskering, which may impact long-term
reliability. Proper handling and timely assembly are crucial to maintaining its
performance.
It's primarily used as a sustainable alternative to lead-based finishes, requiring
fewer resources during its application. Its reworkability and flat surface make
it an excellent choice for fine pitch components and BGA assemblies. However, it's
not recommended for contact switches or applications requiring long shelf lives.
San Francisco Circuits provides comprehensive printed circuit fabrication and
assembly solutions, including Immersion Tin finishes, to meet diverse industry needs.
Whether for consumer electronics, telecommunications, or high-performance applications,
we ensure top-quality and sustainable options tailored to your project.
Why Is It Used?
Immersion Tin has been primarily used as an alternative to a lead-based surface
finish. It is also used for its very flat and smooth finish making it ideal for
fine geometries and fine pitch surface mount components.
Another reason to use immersion tin is sustainability. Elements that may be difficult
to source on a consistent basis are used in other finishes, such as ENIG or HASL.
Additionally, it uses less water and chemicals in the application process.
It is also easier to re-work.
As with all of the surface finishes we’ve compared so far, there are a number
of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the advantages and disadvantages for Immersion
Tin.
Advantages of Immersion Tin
- Immersion Tin Finish allows excellent flatness (suitable for SMT), good for
fine pitch / BGA / smaller components.
- Immersion Tin has mid-range cost for lead-free finish.
- Press fit suitable finish.
- Retains good solderability after multiple thermal excursions.
- Suitable for horizontal production line.
- Suitable for fine geometry processing, lead-free assembly.
Disadvantages of Immersion Tin
- Sensitive to handling.
- Short shelf life, tin whiskering can occur after 6 months.
- Aggressive to solder masks.
- Not recommended to use with peelable masks.
- Not a suitable choice for a contact switches.
- Special setting requires (soft probe landing) for electrical test
While Immersion Silver offers several advantages, its sensitivity to contaminants
and susceptibility to tarnishing make proper handling and storage critical. Choosing
a qualified board house is essential to maintain quality and performance.
Read more about
Immersion Tin PCB Surface Finish at San Francisco Circuits' website.
About San Francisco Circuits
San Francisco Circuits is a provider of PCB fabrication and assembly, has a dedicated
team specializing in simple and complex PCB fabrication and assembly technologies.
They can produce elaborate and high-quality PCBs in a number of custom and common
layouts. From basic to intricate PCBs–their engineers will meet your PCB fabrication &
assembly needs. The company provides a rare balance between technical expertise
and competitive pricing. And they not only provide high-quality products but also
high-quality customer service at the same time. San Francisco Circuits has been
voted by National Television as the "world's greatest in PCBs" and has demonstrated
experience as a power player in PCB fabrication and assembly.
If you are looking to discuss PCB projects of any size or scope, feel free to
reach out to them via our website (see below).
Contact
Alex Danovich San Francisco Circuits, Inc. Phone: 1-800-732-5143
Web: www.sfcircuits.com
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