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ELECTROPLATER

Electroplater - Device in failed state on startup Potential issue: Baths 1 and/or 2 are low. Lift the lids to baths 1 and 2. If they are low, get a PI/MPI/Staff to refill from the chemical cabinet in the storage closet in the Semi-clean room.

Electroplater - Zero plating current error Potential issue: Too much copper buildup on the PCB holder. Put on the chemical safety gear (apron, goggles, gloves, in that order (Figure 30)) and remove the board from bath 5. Using the drip tray, go to the sink and rinse the drip tray, board, holder, and gloves well. Remove the board from the holder with the allen key. Using a fine-grit sandpaper, file, or sanding block, sand off any copper build-up on the posts and on the metal on the underside. Big flakes of copper may come off; this is expected. Once it looks cleaner, seat the empty holder into an empty bath and screw it down. Get a multimeter. The resistance between either of the posts on the holder and the metal strip that run down the line of baths should be less than 1Ω. If so, re-attach the substrate to the holder, don the chemical gear again, place it back into Bath 5 (and screw it down), and press the play button to continue. If this does not change it, or you are not comfortable doing this, please get a PI. Potential issue: Insufficient contact between the metal pegs in the tool and the metal underside of the tool holder. Make sure that the tool holder is completely screwed down onto the pegs. If the toolholder screws will not tighten further but is not in contact with the rail (i.e. there is a gap between the tool holder and the metal side railings), attempt to re-seat the holder onto the pegs. If that is unsuccessful in solving the issue, don the chemical safety gear, remove the board+holder from bath 5 and, using the drip tray, move to the sink to rinse the board, holder, gloves, and drip tray. Remove the board from the holder with the allen key. Using a wire brush, sandpaper, or other means, clean out the peg holes in the tool holder.

How long does electroplating take?
Between 2 and 3 hours, regardless of board size. This will plate between 8-15 um of copper onto your surfaces. Less than this processing time can cause unreliable vias with variable thickness of the plating.