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Tin Stripping in PCB Manufacturing: Everything You Need to Know

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Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing involves a range of precise chemical processes to create clean, reliable circuitry. One of the most critical of these is tin stripping — a step that ensures accurate etching and defect-free boards. In this article, we’ll explain what tin stripping is, how it works, and why it’s so important in PCB production. What is Tin Stripping? Tin stripping is a chemical process used to remove tin or tin-lead coatings from a PCB after etching is complete. During earlier stages, tin acts as a protective resist to shield copper tracks while unwanted copper is etched away. Once etching is done, the tin must be removed to leave behind clean copper circuitry for subsequent finishing processes. The Tin Stripping Process The tin stripping process typically involves: Application of Stripping Solution – A specialised chemical solution is used to dissolve tin or tin-lead coatings. Controlled Reaction – The chemistry ensures select...
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A Guide to ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) in PCBs

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Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronics, and ensuring their durability and performance often comes down to the type of surface finish applied. One of the most popular options in the electronics industry is ENIG — Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold. In this article, we’ll explore what ENIG is, how it works, and why it’s a preferred finishing process for high-performance PCBs. What is ENIG in PCB Manufacturing? ENIG is a two-layer metallic surface finish commonly applied to PCBs. It consists of: A nickel layer deposited through an electroless process, which acts as a barrier and provides mechanical strength. A thin layer of gold , applied via immersion, which protects the nickel and enhances solderability. This combination offers both durability and excellent electrical performance. The ENIG Process: Step by Step The ENIG finishing process follows a precise chemical sequence: Surface Preparation – The copper surface of the PC...
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Location: Rugby CV21 1TW, UK
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5 Things to Ask Your Supplier About Their Environmental Impact

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Sustainability has moved to the top of the agenda, with ESG strategies under pressure and Scope 3 emissions facing increased scrutiny, the spotlight is now on the environmental impact of suppliers, not just price and delivery. But not every supplier can demonstrate what they’re doing to minimise environmental harm, and even fewer have the data to back it up. So, how do you tell the difference between ambition and action? Here are five questions worth asking if you want your supply chain to stand up to environmental due diligence. 1.         Do they hold any environmental certifications? Third-party certifications are one of the clearest indicators of an ongoing commitment to sustainability. An ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System shows that a supplier is actively measuring and reducing their impact and applying best practice to how they operate day-to-day. Without independent validation, environmental claims are hard to verify. I...
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Location: Rugby CV21 1TW, UK
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How Positive Photoresists Enable Precision in Microfabrication

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In the ever-evolving landscape of microfabrication, the demand for precision and miniaturisation has never been greater. From smartphones to medical implants, the intricate components that power modern technology are products of meticulous engineering at the microscopic level. At the heart of this precision lies photolithography a technique that employs light to transfer patterns onto substrates. Central to this process are photoresists, with positive photoresists playing a pivotal role in achieving the high-resolution patterns essential for today's advanced devices.   Understanding Positive Photoresists   Photoresists are light-sensitive materials applied to substrates, such as silicon wafers, to create patterned coatings. They are broadly categorised into positive and negative types. Positive photoresists become more soluble in a developer solution upon exposure to light, allowing the exposed regions to be washed away. This property enables the precise transfer of in...
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Location: Rugby CV21 1TW, UK
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Solder Mask vs PCB Solder Resist: Understanding the Differences

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When it comes to printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, two terms often come up in the conversation surrounding surface protection and design integrity: solder mask and solder resist. At first glance, they may seem interchangeable—and in many contexts, they are. However, understanding their roles, differences, and applications can help engineers, designers, and manufacturers make better-informed decisions, especially in high-precision or high-reliability PCB builds. In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between solder mask and solder resist, clarify common misconceptions, and explain why these protective coatings are essential for modern PCB production—particularly in the UK’s advanced electronics and manufacturing sectors.   What Is a Solder Mask? A solder mask is a protective polymer coating applied to the surface of a PCB. It covers the non-solderable areas of the board, leaving only the pads and vias exposed where components will be soldered...
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Location: Rugby CV21 1TW, UK
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Negative Photoresists: Tailored Solutions for Complex Designs

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As the electronics and semiconductor industries continue to advance, the demand for high-resolution, precise, and reliable patterning techniques is greater than ever. At the heart of many of these advancements lies photoresist technology, specifically negative photoresists, which play a critical role in photolithography and microfabrication processes. These materials are essential in creating intricate circuit designs, microfluidic channels, and other complex microstructures. This article explores how negative photoresists are tailored to meet the demands of increasingly complex designs, their advantages, applications, and why they are vital for cutting-edge manufacturing in the UK’s high-tech industries. What Are Negative Photoresists? Photoresists are light-sensitive materials used to transfer patterns onto substrates during processes such as semiconductor manufacturing, MEMS fabrication, and printed circuit board (PCB) production. They are broadly categorised into two types: pos...
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Location: Rugby CV21 1TW, UK
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