PCBA Surface Finish: Which One Is Right for Your Board?
2026-05-25
Choosing the right PCB surface finish affects solderability, shelf life, and cost.
Here are the four most common options.
Comparison Table
Finish Shelf Life Cost Best For
HASL (lead-free) 6–12 months Low General purpose, prototypes
ENIG 12+ months High Fine-pitch, wire bonding, keypads
OSP 3–6 months Low High-volume, short shelf life
Immersion Silver 6–12 months Medium RF, signal integrity critical
HASL (lead-free) 6–12 months Low General purpose, prototypes
ENIG 12+ months High Fine-pitch, wire bonding, keypads
OSP 3–6 months Low High-volume, short shelf life
Immersion Silver 6–12 months Medium RF, signal integrity critical
Quick Selection Guide
HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling)
– Low cost, but not for fine-pitch components (<0.5mm)
– Low cost, but not for fine-pitch components (<0.5mm)
ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold)
– Flat surface, long shelf life. Ideal for BGA, high-reliability.
– Flat surface, long shelf life. Ideal for BGA, high-reliability.
OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative)
– Very flat, very cheap. But short shelf life – must assemble within months.
– Very flat, very cheap. But short shelf life – must assemble within months.
Immersion Silver
– Good for high-frequency. Can tarnish if exposed to humidity.
– Good for high-frequency. Can tarnish if exposed to humidity.
STG Electronic Recommendation
Your Application Recommended Finish
Prototype, low volume HASL lead-free
BGA, fine-pitch (0.4mm) ENIG
High-volume consumer OSP
RF, communications Immersion Silver
Medical, automotive ENIG
Prototype, low volume HASL lead-free
BGA, fine-pitch (0.4mm) ENIG
High-volume consumer OSP
RF, communications Immersion Silver
Medical, automotive ENIG
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