Choosing the right surface finish is a critical decision that affects both the cost and the reliability of your assembly. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide for your next JLCPCB order:

HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling): The most cost-effective and traditional choice. Great for through-hole components, but the surface can be slightly uneven.
ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold): Perfect for fine-pitch SMT components and BGAs. It offers a flat surface, excellent oxidation resistance, and a long shelf life.

Quick Tip: If your design has components with a pitch smaller than 0.5mm, go with ENIG to ensure high soldering yield!

What's your "go-to" finish for prototypes? Let us know in the comments!

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HASL vs. ENIG: Which Should You Choose?