I know tinning for the hobbyist may be overkill, but does anyone know where I may be able to source this stuff from in the UK ? https://mgchemicals.com/products/421.html
I know tinning for the hobbyist may be overkill, but does anyone know where I may be able to source this stuff from in the UK ? https://mgchemicals.com/products/421.html
the stuff you mention looks suspiciously similar to the **broken link removed**immersion tin that Crownhill supply. I've used them for PICs and various other goodies, and they are pretty quick with their deliveries.
It aint cheap, but good things never are!
the stuff you mention looks suspiciously similar to the **broken link removed**immersion tin that Crownhill supply. I've used them for PICs and various other goodies, and they are pretty quick with their deliveries.
It aint cheap, but good things never are!
I used to use the R.S stuff, it will keep for around 2 months if not sealed in an air tight container when mixed. It will also leech moisture out the air when still in the powdered state, the powder becoming slowly gooey over about 8-9 months after the tub seal is broken. It is also pretty expensive from R.S. so I would recommend Mega UK, and only buying 1 Litre at £14.95 plus VAT. That should be more than enough for a hobby quantity of boards, however, if you want 5 Litres, then it's £44.90 plus VAT.
hxxp://www.megauk.com/pcb_chemicals.php
Tin plating boards is a process I always perform irrespective of the board size or complexity. It provides a hard wearing finish, even in harsh environments. It also stops the copper oxidising, and is especially hardy when a prototype board is being constantly handled. It looks a lot nicer than discoloured copper too []
The problem is that the powder is hygroscopic in nature, it will suck any moisture in from the air, no matter where or how it's kept. The moment you open the jar, the process begins, and will continue each time you open the jar. It absorbs enough moisture over my normal course of 8-9 months to make the powder more like a very very thick paste.
I have never tried silica gel packs in the jar, nor would I, it's in my nature not to mix chemicals, no matter how inert they purport to be.
The slightest contamination of the thiourea and the process will fail to produce the required results, i.e proper plating.