Enthone-Omi, Inc.

Gary R Sutcliffe

Jay B Conrod

A direct metallization process is disclosed wherein plastic substrates may be electrolytically plated without the need for any prior electroless plating. The process uses a specially formulated post-activator composition at an elevated temperature to treat the activated substrate comprising either an alkaline solution containing an effective amount of metal ions which undergo a disproportionation reaction or an alkaline solution containing a metal ion such as Cu.sup.+2.

Direct metallization process

A method for the manufacture of printed circuit boards is provided comprising conditioning the board, activating with a catalytic metal, post-activating, stabilizing and etching the copper surfaces before the desired circuit is formed on the board. This process eliminates the need for a flash coating of copper in the through holes before the use of protective coatings such as imaging resists and soldermasks.

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New Britain, CT, United States of America

Gary R Sutcliffe