Your Reliable PCB Gold Finger Manufacturer in China

Why Choose PCBMay for Your PCB Gold Finger

As a valuable PCB gold finger supplier, PCBMay has over 12 years of PCB gold finger manufacturing experience. We have served more than 1000+ customers all around the world like Huawei, Flex, Hitachi, Jabil, and Fluke.

From single-sided layer to 40layer board, from rigid PCB, flexible PCB to rigid-flex PCB, PCBMay could provide all PCB gold finger solutions for you.

In order to offer high-quality PCB gold fingers to the customers, we have brought state-of-the-art equipment and make sure all processes are in-house. The quality will be under our control.

As for PCB gold finger, it is plated by flash or hard gold. We can make the hard gold thickness will be 2u’’ to 50u’’.

Please send your quote to us right now, we will offer the quotation immediately.

PCB Gold Finger: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Do you want to know more about PCB gold finger? This Guide will provide the information for you, please start to read it.

What is PCB Gold Finger?

On computer memory sticks and graphics cards, we can see a row of golden conductive contacts, which are called “gold fingers”.

The Gold Finger (or Edge Connector) in the PCB design and production industry uses the connector as the outlet for the board to connect to the network.

Make the pad or copper contact the pin at the corresponding position to achieve the purpose of conduction, and plate the pad or copper on the PCB board with nickel and gold, which is called a gold finger because it is shaped like a finger.

PCB Gold Finger

Gold was chosen because of its superior conductivity, oxidation resistance, and abrasion resistance.

PCB gold fingers are the gold-plated row of square pad connectors present at equal intervals on it. The connection among different boards is built with the help of these fingers.

With the growing technology and PCB industry, the need for PCB gold fingers has rapidly increased.

There is an increasing need to connect one or more PCBs, fulfilled by the PCB gold fingers.

They connect a secondary PCB circuit board to the motherboard of a computer or other devices.

They are used in various other devices that use signals as their communication means, and these could be smartphones, TVs, watches, and other devices.

With the increasing technology, there is a need for faster commands and faster communication between different components of devices.

However, with the help of PCB gold fingers, achieve coupling of different circuit boards.

For manufacturing, use the hardest form of gold. Flash gold is the best of its kind.

These PCB gold fingers have taken their name from their shape. This is because the gold used for their manufacturing is extremely high.

However, they are of great quality. The type of gold makes it best in conduction and resistance against oxidation.

A simple PCB gold finger

PCB Gold Finger Plating Thickness

1. Electroplating Nickel Gold: The thickness of gold up to 3-50u”, because of its superior conductivity, oxidation resistance, and wear resistance, it is widely used in gold finger PCBs that require frequent insertion and removal or PCB boards that require frequent mechanical friction Above, but because of the high cost of gold plating, it is only used for partial gold plating such as gold fingers.
2. Immersion Gold(ENIG): the thickness of gold is conventional 1u”- 3u”, because of its superior conductivity, flatness, and solderability, it is widely used in high-precision PCB boards with button positions, binding IC, BGA, etc. Gold finger PCBs with low wear resistance requirements can also choose the whole board immersion gold process, which is much lower than the electro-gold process cost. The color of Immersion Gold is golden yellow.

Gold Finger Details Processing in PCB

1. In order to increase the wear resistance of gold fingers, gold fingers usually need to be plated with hard gold.
2.  Golden fingers need to be chamfered, usually 45°, other angles such as 20°, 30°, etc. If there is no chamfer in the design, there is a problem;
3. The gold finger needs to be treated as a whole piece of solder mask to open the window, and the PIN does not need to open the steel stencil;
4. Immersion tin and immersion silver pads need to be at a minimum distance of 14mil from the top of the finger; it is recommended that the pad be designed to be at least 1mm away from the finger, including via pads;
5. Do not cover the surface of the gold finger with copper;
6. All layers of the inner layer of the gold finger need to be cut copper, usually, the width of the cut copper is 3mm larger; it can be done half-finger to cut copper and whole finger to cut copper.

PCB Gold Finger Repair

There are several instances where the gold contacts on PCBs need to be repaired. IPC A-610 discusses several of these cases.

One of the more common defects is when the solder “splashes” onto the contact during the wave or selective soldering process, thereby contaminating it.

This requires that the operator strip away the solder, first by wicking off excess solder and then to a greater degree via mechanical and chemical stripping means.

This is then followed by a repair of the contacts. Another defect is when “pitting” occurs in the contact area.

This pitting is a result of a defective plating operation. Many times, this defect can be buffed out, and then it can be replated.

Other times, the contact area is scratched, which similarly requires the buffing out of the scratch followed by replating.

Gold repairing of these contacts is a process that requires setup, special chemistry that requires advanced PCB repair tech skills, and the correct materials and training.

The operator skills required for gold contact repairing are similar to those required for microdevice rework and PCB repair.

PCB Gold Finger Repair

Patience, dexterity and the ability to improvise correctly if the standard process followed does not go as planned are all attributes of a PCB rework and repair technician.

The most experienced and skilled techs are the right ones for being trained to perform PCB repair techniques such as gold finger replating.

PCB Gold Finger Beveling

On a circuit board, the PCB gold finger plating process is used after the solder mask and before the surface finish. The plating process generally consists of the following steps:

• Nickel plating: Between three and six microns of nickel are plated first to the connector edges of the fingers.
• Gold plating: Between one and two microns of hard gold are plated over the nickel. The gold is usually enhanced with cobalt for boosted surface resistance.
• Beveling: The connector edges are beveled at specified angles for easier insertion on corresponding slots. Beveling is typically done at angles of 30 to 45 degrees.

PCB Gold Finger Beveling

On some circuit boards, certain gold fingers will be longer or shorter than others.

For example, a circuit board may have longer fingers at one end. This way, the PCB is easier to insert into a slot, as the end with the long fingers will snap into place more readily.

From there, you simply push the other end of the PCB into place.

What are the Types of PCB Gold Finger?

Different types of PCB gold fingers are of great importance. Each type has its function and specialty.

The types of PCB gold fingers are based on their appearance or on the type of gold used for its Gold plating.

• Non-Uniform PCB gold fingers
• Uniform PCB gold fingers
• Segmented PCB gold fingers

Non-Uniform PCB gold fingers:

These types of gold fingers are not uniform.

They consist of fingers that are unequal lengths.

Some fingers are longer than the others are.

Some connections are preferred in these types of PCB gold fingers.

That needs to link and power up earlier than the other does.

This non-uniformity gives a name to it.

One of the best examples of Non-uniform PCB gold fingers is memory card readers.

Uniform PCB gold fingers:

On the contrary, the Uniform PCB gold fingers have a uniformity.

They consist of fingers that are equal in length and width.

There is no priority connection for it.

All the connections power up at the same time.

Segmented PCB gold fingers:

The segmented PCB gold fingers consist of segmented fingers. Also, fingers that are uneven length.

Some of the fingers are disjointed within the same PCB.

Uses are in the most modern types of hybrid technology devices.

Most commonly used in rugged electronics and water-resistant devices.

Figure 2- A uniform PCB gold finger example

Figure 3- A non-uniform PCB gold finger example

How Do You Repair PCB Gold Finger?

The PCB gold fingers are sensitive and prone to damage.

Your PCB gold fingers get damaged after every 1000 cycles. As a result, there is a need to repair.

Many kinds of damages can occur.  It includes connectors getting broken, scratched, torn, and solder splash during the soldering process.

Contamination of the PCB gold fingers is another cause of its damage.

These connections could be either repaired or replaced.

The contamination is mainly because of the excessive heat produced by the components of the device.

Clean the fingers using the best-suited detergent.

Use the other option of using a stiff bristle brush to scrub off the contamination. Use isopropyl or alcohol for it.

Use a lint-free cloth to dry it.

To repair the contaminated PCB gold fingers, perform the electroplating process.

The repair process requires a PCB gold finger repairing kit. This kit includes many tools for fast repairing it.

Perform re-plating to repair it. The process includes gold and nickel stripping and gold plating solution.

While repairing PCB gold fingers, take all necessary precautions to avoid any further damage.

Any mishandling can lead to permanent damage to the PCB gold finger.

The repairing process of PCB gold finger

What is PCB Gold Finger Thickness?

The thickness of PCB plays an important role in the functioning of the circuit board.

The correct thickness and the application are important.

The correct plating thickness of PCB gold fingers should range between 2 to 5 Micro inches.

The standard thickness of PCB gold fingers is 0.031, 0.062, 0.093, and 0.0125 microinches.

The thickness can affect the functionality of the PCB gold fingers.

They are made from flash gold. Therefore, determine their thickness before manufacturing it.

The thickness of the gold improves the surface resistance of the PCB gold fingers.

The thickness of the PCB gold fingers can determine their functioning

Only when prototyping PCB gold fingers have lesser thickness.

The depiction of PCB gold finger thickness

What are the Advantages of PCB Gold Finger?

The PCB gold fingers have various advantages that add value to them.

The certain advantages are:

• The PCB gold fingers are of low cost. That makes them readily available and replaceable.

Usually, the other components are costly and are expensive to obtain. However, PCB gold fingers are economical.

• The other advantage of PCB gold fingers is that they are re-workable. Any damage in the PCB gold fingers can be repaired. Contaminated components are replaced.
• Due to gold plating, they have excellent conductivity.
• They are resistant to oxidation.
• They are heat resistant and tolerate high temperatures.
• They are resistant to corrosion.
• They are flexible and can fit into different shapes.
• They have a long shelf life and are durable.
• They are lead-free
• Melted them and obtain gold.

All these features of the PCB gold finger make it of the best quality. They have efficient working due to it.

What are the Design specifications For PCB Gold Finger?

The general specifications of the PCB gold finger include many important things.

Adopt these standard specifications while manufacturing PCB gold fingers.

The major specifications of PCB gold finger include:

Thickness:

Thickness is very important for the functioning and performance of the PCB gold finger.

Thickness increases when the gold plating is done on the fingers.

The standard thickness ranges from 2 to 5 Micro inches.

Copper Free inner layer:

Make sure that the inner layers of the PCB are copper-free. Since the use of copper can increase exposure during beveling.

Chemical composition:

When performing gold plating on the PCB gold finger, add cobalt as well.

Cobalt in combination with gold can work wonders; it increases the rigidity of the PCB gold finger.

The gold plating should consist of 5 to 10 percent of cobalt.

If the amount increases or decreases the given value, the results obtained can vary.

Physical features:

• There should be a minimum distance of 0.5mm to 0.7mm between the PCB gold fingers and the outline of the PCB.
• Do not place the through-holes, solder masks, or screen printing near the PCB gold fingers.
• Place PCB gold finger at the position where PCB faces outward.

Visual testing:

After the manufacturing of PCB gold fingers, check their functionality and performance through visual testing.

Perform visual testing of PCB gold finger with the help of a magnifying glass.

Visualize any deformity in the PCB gold fingers.

Check for any excess plating of nickel.

Smooth out and clean the edges of the PCB gold fingers.

The depiction of PCB gold finger designing process

What is the Purpose of PCB Gold Finger?

PCB gold fingers are the golden columns at the edges of the printed circuit board.

Gold columns are of gold. The gold used is flash gold.

Flash gold is the tough and most durable form of gold.

The important function of the PCB gold fingers is to connect a secondary printed circuit board to the motherboard of the computer.

The PCB gold fingers play a role in the development and excelling of the PCB industry.

Manufacturing of many high-end technology devices uses the PCB gold fingers.

Many devices that work with the help of communication signals have PCB gold fingers.

These devices are TVs, laptops, smartphones, watches, and many more.

The memory cards as well have PCB gold finger patterns, seen by the naked eyes.

Another function of the PCB gold finger is that they help in protecting the prototype PCB from collapsing.

What is PCB Gold finger Plating Process?

The plating process of PCB gold finger is of great importance.

Since the manufacturing of printed circuit board, this process is performed.

This process directly affects the functioning and capabilities of the printed circuit board.

The PCB gold finger plating process is a procedure that includes different steps.

These are

• Nickel plating
• Gold plating
• Beveling

These three steps are important.

The process of plating starts before the surface finish.

Remember to perform solder masking before plating it.

Nickel plating:

Nickel plating is one of the most steps of PCB gold finger plating.

The amount of Nickel used for nickel plating is between 2 to 6 microns.

Perform nickel plating on the edges of the PCB gold finger.

Gold plating:

This step as well holds great importance.

In this step, gold is plated on the PCB gold finger.

The amount of gold used for gold plating is 1 to 2 microns of gold.

The gold used is flash gold. It is the hard form of gold.

It gives strength to the PCB gold finger.

Beveling:

This is the crucial step of PCB gold finger plating.

The edges of the PCB gold finger are beveled i-e tapered.

Perform this at a particular angle, at 30 to 45 degrees.

The depiction of PCB gold finger plating process

What is the Chemical Composition of PCB Gold Finger?

The chemical composition has a significant impact on the functioning of the PCB gold finger.

It also directly affects the conductivity of the PCB gold finger. The composition affects the oxidation resistance.

The composition of PCB gold finger includes nickel, gold, and 5 to 10 percent of cobalt.

The amount of nickel in its composition is 2 to 6 Microns.

Whereas the amount of gold used is 1 to 2 Microns.

This addition of cobalt in the composition of PCB gold finger is to achieve the maximum rigidity at the edges of the fingers.

The chemical composition also affects the shelf life of is PCB gold finger. The better the composition, the greater the shelf life.

The standard composition can also affect the corrosion resistance of PCB gold fingers. Along with thermal stability and flexibility.

The table shows the chemical composition of PCB gold finger

What is the Impact of PCB Gold Finger?

The use of PCB gold fingers in printed circuit boards has tremendously changed the world.

Initially, when the printed circuit boards were made, they were simple.

However, with the changing times, the complexity of the PCB has increased. They were simpler in earlier times.

The use of PCB gold fingers is in the high-tech devices that operate on digital signaling.

Now the devices are more complex, faster, and resourceful, and the manufacturers are competing well.

The PCB gold finger has made the PCB industry grow exponentially.

Technology is rising up tremendously.

As a result, the impact on human life, the environment, and other things have grown too.

It is seen that all the high-end technology depends on PCB gold finger. Therefore, it must ensure that they are made of high quality.

Perform the standard testing of PCB gold finger to ensure the quality to the highest standards.

What is PCB Gold Finger Bevel?

As I told you before, beveling is the crucial process of manufacturing PCB gold fingers.

PCB gold fingers are the golden plates at the edges of the PCBs. These edges of the PCB are required to make its entry into the connector easier.

Perform beveling for this unique purpose.

Beveling is the process of shaping and cutting the edges of a given object to achieve a sloping side.

To achieve the purpose the edges are shaped well.

Edge connector beveling is an essential phenomenon.

Ensure quick insertions by the beveling of edge connectors in PCB gold finger.

Do accurate beveling, to ensure the proper fitting.

Perform this process for proper functioning and working of the PCB gold finger.

The beveling of edge connectors on PCB gold finger

How Power is Distributed by PCB Gold Finger?

The important function of the PCB gold finger is to distribute digital signals among different devices.

The PCB gold finger also helps in the signal integrity. They are of high-end quality.

They are used to transfer data to and from different devices.

In the industrial process, the PCB gold finger is of great importance.

Connect the PCB gold finger of a secondary PCB to the motherboard of a computer via PCI.

Through this connection, the PCB gold finger conducts a signal between two connected devices.

Use in signal transfer i-for example, power distribution.

Power distribution is the function of a PCB gold finger.

What are PCB Gold finger Design Considerations?

Designing a PCB gold finger is complex. However, its importance is great.

Since it directly affects its functioning. Manufacture PCB gold finger with great precision.

Consider these things while designing the PCB gold finger.

• Firstly, consider the required type of PCB gold finger.

If the device requires a uniform PCB gold finger, make sure to design them.

If non-uniform or segmented, then design.

• Keep the distance of at least 0.5 to 0.7 mm between the PCB gold finger and the periphery of the printed circuit board.
• Make sure there is no through-hole positioned near the PCB gold finger. They can cause damage.
• Place PCB gold finger near the center of PCB facing outwards.
• Ensure proper beveling. It can directly affect the fitting into each other.
• Remove the excess nickel from the edges of the PCB gold finger
• The PCB gold finger must be wear-resistant.
• Bevel the edge connectors at a 30 to 45 degrees angle.
• Use 5 to 10 percent cobalt for maximizing the rigidity of the PCB gold finger.
• Do not use copper on the PCB gold finger.
• Perform nickel and gold surface treatment.

The picture showing the PCB gold finger design considerations

What is PCB Gold Finger Connector?

The Edge connector of the PCB gold finger is an important component.

We can see the edge connector present at the edge of the printed circuit board.

Insert the edge connector into the matching slot present in the other device.

The edge connector must bevel. Ensure proper insertion of the edge connector into the slot of another device.

Achieved this by the proper edge connector beveling of PCB gold finger.

Metallic tracks are present within the edge connector, which forms a connection between them.

They are present on most electronic devices.

Edge connectors have many advantages.

They are durable, simple, cost-effective, efficient, high quality, and much more.

Edge connector beveling is done to ensure you achieve quick insertions.

All the devices need an edged connector of different shapes and sizes.

According to the technical requirements of the printed circuit board.

The edge connector on PCB gold finger

Why gold plating is necessary for the PCB Gold Finger?

The plating of the PCB gold finger is of great importance.

It prevents PCB gold finger from damaging.

to reduce the resistance and enhance the durability of the PCB gold finger, use the plating of the edge connectors.

In the process of gold plating, there are three steps.

The first step includes the process of plating nickel on the surface. The amount of nickel used for plating is 2 to 6 microns.

The second step is the plating of gold. Again, use flash gold, due to its highest strength among other gold types. It gives maximum strength to the PCB gold finger.

The amount of gold used for plating is 1 to 2 Microns.

The third step is the beveling of the edge connectors. This is the process where the edges are shaped and any excess nickel is removed.

In addition, use 5 to 10 % cobalt to give maximum rigidity to the PCB gold finger.

The plating process enables PCB gold finger to withstand any kind of harsh area.

The continuous subjection of printed circuit boards to plug in and plug out can wear out the edge connector.

Why you cannot use copper instead of gold for plating?

Even though gold is expensive than copper. However, gold plating is preferred.

This is because gold has so many properties that copper does not.

Gold has high strength and higher thermal stability.

It has higher corrosion resistance. Similarly, it has higher electrical conductivity.

What Types of Gold Plating You Can Do For PCB Gold Finger?

Prefer using gold plating to any other metal plating. Because gold has many better properties compared to others.

In the PCB industry, there are two most common types of gold plating performed.

These are (ENIG) Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold

Hard plated Gold over Nickel/ Electroplated hard Gold

Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold:

This type of gold plating is cheap and cost-effective.

It is easier to solder compared to hard gold.

This type of gold plating is thinner and softer. Therefore, it is prone to damage.

It cannot withstand frequent plugging in and plug out. It is torn because of it.

Therefore, it is not preferred for commercial purposes.

Hard plated Gold over Nickel:

Commercial purposes use this type of gold plating.

The gold used in this electroplating is hard and 30 micro inches thicker.

It is also cost-effective.

How to Choose a PCB Gold finger Manufacturer?

You can purchase a PCB gold finger of the printed circuit board from PCBMay. It is an authentic company founded in 2008.

It is a leading manufacturer of high technology PCB gold fingers.

They are delivering worldwide to more than 60 countries of the world.

They are ISO 9001 quality system certified.

Apart from that, they have ISO 14001 environmental system certification

In addition, they provide you with the best and reliable product.

They have extremely good and well-known customer service.