I just received my first order and PCBs are unfinished (pads are not covered by soldering, just copper)
Is it OK or I did something wrong?..
That sounds like a mistake, they will probably replace them if you complain about it. They should be usable, though.
Are you sure it isn’t an OSP (Organic Solder Preservative) finish instead?
MichaelN:
Are you sure it isn’t an OSP (Organic Solder Preservative) finish instead?
Hm, I didn’t know about this technique…
What am I supposed to do with this?
If this is indeed what they have used you should be able to solder it as usual. As Leon said, you should still complain if this wasn't the finish you ordered.shaos:
Hm, I didn't know about this technique...MichaelN:
Are you sure it isn’t an OSP (Organic Solder Preservative) finish instead?What am I supposed to do with this?
MichaelN:
If this is indeed what they have used you should be able to solder it as usual. As Leon said, you should still complain if this wasn't the finish you ordered.shaos:
Hm, I didn't know about this technique...MichaelN:
Are you sure it isn’t an OSP (Organic Solder Preservative) finish instead?What am I supposed to do with this?
I’m confused. Does BatchPCB allow to choose finishing options?..
P.S. I got response from support that it’s normal, so it looks like BatchPCB is doing OSP now…
I've never used BatchPCB, but maybe they are doing this because of exporting issues to some countries that have ROHS concerns?shaos:
I’m confused. Does BatchPCB allow to choose finishing options?..P.S. I got response from support that it’s normal, so it looks like BatchPCB is doing OSP now…
OSP is not the best solution for ROHS, because it protects copper only for a few month so if board is not used for half a year it may be sent directly to garbage…
P.S. Should customer expect that web-site will inform him about pros and cons of this technology before actual ordering?..
My recent order, received today, is the same way.
If this indeed a new technology instead of a mistake, I sure wish I would have known about it before I placed my order…
Writing an e-mail to customer service now…
thanks,
ben
Figures, a couple of PCBs are the only thing I’ve needed to order from SF.
Next order was going to be direct from Gold Phoenix directly anyway (board is big enough that more than a few is an entire sheet anyway). I have to avoid OSP from what shaos says as I’m making a few boards as they are needed.
Gold Phoenix use the term “hot air leaving PCB” for their ‘tinned’ boards. So that’s what I have to ask for.
haseo:
Next order was going to be direct from Gold Phoenix directly anyway (board is big enough that more than a few is an entire sheet anyway). I have to avoid OSP from what shaos says as I’m making a few boards as they are needed.Gold Phoenix use the term “hot air leaving PCB” for their ‘tinned’ boards. So that’s what I have to ask for.
According to this page, the default seems to be “HAL” (ie, hot-air leveled solder). This is certainly what I’ve received from them in the past.
Mine are the same way. Looks like raw copper. Since they’re prototypes it’s not a big issue for me, but it was a surprise. Also “Ace15” is stamped on both designs I ordered. Could this be a 2nd fab house SF is using?
Just wanted to add that these boards are excellent quality and despite the unusual coating solder up just as well.
OSP is not the best solution for ROHS, because it protects copper only for a few month so if board is not used for half a year it may be sent directly to garbage…
P.S. Should customer expect that web-site will inform him about pros and cons of this technology before actual ordering?..
This is a real pity. I usually order a bunch of generic type MCU PCBs, when I get a design idea I grab one of these proto boards, in other words they may sit around for months. Alot of the I/O connections may or may not be used right away depending on what I’m experimenting with. I have also ordered power supply PCBs that may sit around for months before they get used up.
I have also put together and sold some kits, I would not want to use these for this. The new PCBs look cheezy and unfinished.
Now I will have to find an alternative to BatchPCB if this is the new norm. 
Yes it was OSP that was used for some of the panels. We had been receiving complaints about the solder on the pads not mixing well with solder paste, causing unnecessary rework on prototypes. Out of concern of our customers ruining precious parts, we tried to reach a solution that would best for all. We have scrapped the OSP and have returned to the normal Batch PCB solder covered pcbs. Flux helps with soldering on the bare copper. Apologies for any inconvenience. If anyone has any further questions, feel free to email us at Support@batchpcb.com.
I am pleased, as I am sure that most others are, to hear that. Thanks.
I am pleased, as I am sure that most others are, to hear that. Thanks.
:mrgreen: :mrgreen:
SFEBPCB:
Yes it was OSP that was used for some of the panels. We had been receiving complaints about the solder on the pads not mixing well with solder paste, causing unnecessary rework on prototypes. Out of concern of our customers ruining precious parts, we tried to reach a solution that would best for all. We have scrapped the OSP and have returned to the normal Batch PCB solder covered pcbs. Flux helps with soldering on the bare copper. Apologies for any inconvenience. If anyone has any further questions, feel free to email us at Support@batchpcb.com.
I had dome some research on OSP and from what I have read the shelf life of newer OSP treatments is over 6 months and I have heard as much as 1 year. You say you scrapped it. It would be useful information to know how well the few you had done worked. I think in the end OSP will be the preferred long term solution for a cost effective environmentally safe very “flat” finish.
Re
SeanM
Immersion silver is the ideal low-cost finish; it’s much better than OSP.