The PCB surface finish is one of the final stages of the PCB manufacturing process, and choosing the right finish for a PCB is critical for the assembly of the components on the board and can directly impact the PCBA process, quality, reliability and longevity.

The surface finish covers the exposed copper on the board’s surface, in order to prevent oxidation. Moreover, the surface finish acts as a solderable surface enabling the assembling (soldering) of the components to the board. For fine-pitch components the need for a thin, co-planar coating becomes even more essential.

The chosen surface finish also affects the durability and shelf life of the board,

The PCB surface finish chart below allows for easy comparison of the critical parameters, ensuring selection of the most appropriate finish depending on specific needs and requirements.