Liquid Tin - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: odessa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 09:22:19 am
content: Hi,I've been making my own PCB's at home with great success but would like to know how I can tin them.I've seen videos on you tube where the boards are dipped in something called liquid tin afterwards, which coats the copper.Does anyone know where I can get this in the UK ? , I've tried ebay etc but can't find any.ThanksJay

author: jhalar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 10:12:54 am
content: When I need to tin my home made PCBs I use a silver plating powder called Cool-Amp.I dab a small amount to a damp cloth (while wearing gloves) and rub onto the board until it turns silver.I find it satisfactory, seems to work ok. Rub it on before drilling.If anybody knows a better and easier way to tin PCBs let me know.

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 11:14:15 am
content: Yeah, Cool-Amp works very well!The tin plating solutions are great, but they contain some nasty chemicals and have a limited shelf life once mixed, so it's only worth considering if you're making large volumes.

author: odessa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 11:29:09 am
content: Thanks for the replies,That looks really impressive, I only make the odd board here and there so sounds perfect .... Just need to find some in the UK now

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 11:31:24 am
content: Quote from: odessa on May 25, 2012, 09:22:19 amI've not used it myself, but I have eyed it up in the past;Megaoffer a room-temperature tin-plating powder available in 90g and 450g quantities (90g makes 1 litre, good for around 2 square metres of board apparently). They'll sell directly, although I seem to recall a minimum order value; alternatively Farnell carry boththe 90gandthe 450gtubs. RS list450g of a similar productbut not any smaller amount that I can see.Although having just had a quick poke at eBay I finda 23g (250ml) packageandsomething which looks similar.The 'nasty chemicals' aspect is why I haven't tried them to date, so maybe give the other ideas a shot first!

author: Mark
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 01:37:33 pm
content: As above, Mega in the UK is the place to get PCB supplies. Their tin plating powder works at room temperature and the plating gets thicker the longer you leave it. The tin really helps reduce tarnishing due to sweat acids and the bioards will still look great after years.Caution though, the powder stinks like rotten eggs, so don't stick your nose into the jar!

author: odessa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 02:11:23 pm
content: Cheers guys, thanks for the linksOrdered some Powder from the Ebay link

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 02:48:24 pm
content: Quote from: Mark on May 25, 2012, 01:37:33 pm*cough* That's sulfur then, why it is there i don't know

author: DJKA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 04:52:55 pm
content: I use these off ebay:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Immerse-Tin-Plating-Crystals-Makes-250ml-PCB-Tinning-solution-/130701925109?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item1e6e711af5#ht_1137wt_954or just search for "Immerse Tin Plating Crystals" . Works perfect for me!Cheers!

author: ErnieEngineer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 05:22:27 pm
content: I would highly recommend "Tinnit Tin Plate" because it is super cheap and has a long shelf life. It comes in powder form so it only starts to deteriorate once you mix the chemicals with water. It comes with two small bags that look the exact same. At first, i thought i would mix one bag with water and save one for later. This is a big no-no because they are two different chemicals that have to be dissolved in water together. What i ended up doing was taking using half of each bag (i just eyeballed it, dont have a scale) and saving the other half for later. I kept the solution in a glass bottle with a cap. The disolves solution still lasted me like 6 months. I plated a circuit board and a penny (just for kicks) and it worked great. The tin plate really worked wonderfully. Make sure to clean the boar copper board with tarnex and scotchbrite (sold at the supermarket) first. I heated the plate of solution to make the reaction work a little faster. It was really easy to solder smd parts on the tin plated board! You can find tinnet on PartsExpress or Amazon for only 7 bucks usd!http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=340-188&FTR=tinnit%20tin%20platehttp://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/ER-18/TINNIT-BRIGHT-TIN-PLATE/1.htmlthey say they ship international. Probably your best bet

author: odessa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 05:42:02 pm
content: Thanks, I'm going to the States in a week or so so I may get some whilst I'm out there .... Although bringing back packets of white powder may not be wise

author: ErnieEngineer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 05:53:25 pm
content: haha. yea. Not worth it. Unless you can afford a few extra hours in customs! Might want to stop at a post office and mail it back home