HASL Lead Free vs ENIG
By:PCBBUY 07/31/2025 17:19

In the world of high-performance PCBs, selecting the appropriate surface finish is critical to ensuring product reliability, solderability, and longevity. Two of the most commonly compared finishes are HASL lead free and ENIG. At PCBBUY, we specialize in advanced surface finishing processes and provide expert-level customization to meet our clients' specific needs. This article explores the technical differences, advantages, and manufacturing specifications of HASL lead free vs ENIG to help engineers and purchasing managers make informed decisions.
What is HASL Lead Free Finish?
Hot Air Solder Leveling (HASL) is one of the most traditional and widely used surface finishes in PCB manufacturing. The lead free variant complies with RoHS directives and is environmentally friendly.
✅ PCBBUY HASL Lead Free Capabilities
Feature |
Specification |
Finish Type |
Lead-Free HASL |
Thickness Range |
2–40 μm |
Compliance |
RoHS compliant, Pb-free |
PCBBUY uses precision-controlled immersion and hot air leveling techniques to achieve excellent uniformity and solderability. This process is ideal for through-hole and SMT components.
What is ENIG Finish?
ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) is a dual-layer metallic coating applied through a chemical plating process. It provides a flat, oxidation-resistant, and highly solderable surface, making it suitable for fine-pitch components and complex circuit assemblies.
✅ PCBBUY ENIG Capabilities
Feature |
Specification |
Nickel Thickness |
100–200 μin |
Gold Thickness |
Customizable |
Surface Uniformity |
Flat and smooth finish |
Special Options |
Custom requirements accepted |
PCBBUY employs strict process control in electroless nickel deposition followed by immersion gold plating. Our ENIG process ensures excellent surface planarity, making it compatible with high-density designs and BGA/CSP applications.
HASL Lead Free vs ENIG: Key Differences
Property |
HASL Lead Free |
ENIG |
Surface Flatness |
Moderate (can vary) |
Excellent (ideal for BGA, SMT) |
Lead-Free Compliance |
Yes |
Yes |
Solderability |
Good |
Excellent |
Shelf Life |
Shorter (prone to oxidation) |
Longer (resistant to oxidation) |
Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
Best Use Case |
Conventional PTH and SMT |
High-density, fine-pitch designs |
Choosing Between HASL Lead Free and ENIG
At PCBBUY, we help you decide the right surface finish based on your application, budget, and assembly method:
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Choose HASL Lead Free if you're building cost-sensitive or through-hole PCBs and require decent solderability at a lower cost.
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Choose ENIG if your project involves fine-pitch SMDs, BGA components, or requires a longer shelf life and superior surface flatness.
We also offer technical consultation to assist with design for manufacturability (DFM) recommendations.
Why Choose PCBBUY for Surface Finish Services?
PCBBUY stands at the forefront of PCB fabrication by offering:
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Full RoHS-compliant HASL lead free processing
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High-precision ENIG finishing with customizable specs
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Real-time production tracking and quality inspection
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Rapid turnaround time for global clients
Whether you need a prototype run or mass production, we deliver consistent quality with ISO-certified processes.
Conclusion
The choice between HASL lead free vs ENIG boils down to your specific design requirements and budget constraints. With PCBBUY’s advanced capabilities and commitment to quality, you gain a reliable manufacturing partner who understands both the science and the application of PCB surface finishes.
Contact PCBBUY today to get a free consultation and quote on your next PCB project with HASL lead free or ENIG surface finish options.
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