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Why is Gold Used in PCB Fabrication?
2620 3 Dec 17.2019, 20:21:50

Gold is an important element in the design of printed circuit boards, and looking closely at most PCBs will reveal that the ‘fingers’ on the board include metal contacts fabricated from gold. These fingers are typically multi-layered metals that may include materials such as tin-lead, cobalt, or nickel, plated with a final layer of gold. These gold contacts are critical to the functionality of the resulting PCB, establishing the connection with the product containing the board.

By its very nature, gold is ideally suited for electronics applications:

  • It is easily formed and manipulated for connectors, wires, and relay contacts
  • Gold conducts electricity very efficiently (an obvious requirement for PCB applications)
  • It can carry small amounts of current, essential for today’s electronic devices
  • Other metals can be alloyed with gold such as nickel or cobalt
  • It does not tarnish or corrode, making it a reliable connection medium
  • Melting and reclaiming gold for reuse is a relatively simple process
  • Only silver and copper provide higher conductivity properties, but each of them are prone to corrosion, generating current resistance
  • Even thin applications of gold can provide reliable and stable contacts with low resistance
  • Gold connections can tolerate high temperatures
  • Variations in thickness can be utilized to meet the requirements of specific applications

  • Comments(3)
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Dec 14.2023, 18:54:28

As a PCB manufacturing expert, gold's use in fabrication is  diamonds rings near me  strategic. Its conductivity, corrosion resistance, and reliability make it ideal for connectors and sensitive components. While costlier, gold ensures longevity and consistent performance, a crucial factor in electronic applications where reliability is paramount.

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j****bar

Jun 19.2020, 04:06:10

You are absolutely right , we also use gold in our wires. 

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Jun 19.2020, 00:17:51

Hello...this is a good explanation. But i always endorsed these points for Gold Plating.

To ensure the nickel and copper under gold plating from oxidization before fastening. Gold plating can broaden the PCB self-life and improve the solderability for second re-stream.


Give a decent holding quality. For Chip on Board process that Gold is the best metal for the wire attach to get a decent holding quality.

Give a decent electronic contact and dependability. For instance, spring contact on PCB or keypad squeezing contact on PCB.

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