BCHP (Basic Copper Hydroxy Phosphate, Cu₂(OH)PO₄) is a laser-activatable copper source used in Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) plastics. Under common LDS laser wavelengths (typically 1064 nm), BCHP helps generate catalytic copper sites on the laser-written track, enabling selective electroless copper plating with strong adhesion and stable process windows.
BCHP is an inorganic copper phosphate compound designed for LDS systems where a laser selectively activates a plated circuit path on a 3D molded plastic part. It is positioned as a chromium-free and palladium-free alternative activation route for LDS-enabled metallization.
BCHP is an LDS activation additive, not a finished plating chemistry. Final metallization quality depends on the complete LDS system, including polymer selection, laser parameters, surface texture formation, and electroless copper bath control.
| Item | Typical / Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LDS laser response | Compatible with typical LDS lasers (e.g., 1064 nm) | Activation depends on polymer + laser settings |
| Suggested loading | 0.5–5.0 wt% (starting window) | Optimize per resin, color, and plating bath |
| Plating initiation | Fast initiation on laser track | Validate with PI / coverage after fixed time |
| Adhesion expectation | Meets LDS track adhesion requirements after optimization | Confirm by tape / peel test per customer spec |
| Thermal processing | Suitable for standard thermoplastic compounding | Confirm per resin processing profile |
No. BCHP is an activation additive. Final results depend on polymer, laser parameters, and plating chemistry control.
Many LDS lines use 1064 nm lasers. BCHP is positioned for compatibility with standard LDS laser workflows.
BCHP can be compounded into LDS-capable thermoplastics. Typical targets include PC, PC-ABS, PA, and PBT systems (final suitability depends on formulation).
Use a standard LDS pattern, fixed laser settings, and a fixed electroless copper plating time, then measure coverage (PI), track resistance, and adhesion.
Yes—BCHP is often explored in systems where “all-black” fillers constrain appearance, but final coloration depends on the full formulation.
It can be evaluated as an alternative activator route. Replacement feasibility depends on your polymer, color target, and reliability requirements.
This product page describes BCHP’s role based on LDS industry workflows and standard validation practice (laser activation + electroless copper plating + adhesion / resistance verification). Performance values are presented as typical targets and must be confirmed in customer formulations.
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