Denis,

I think that more specific information regarding the process that you are trying
to use is needed to receive better guidance from this group.  In general, you
could be experiencing issues with surface oxide layers that prevent plating or
adhesion of the plated material to the aluminum itself.

I am by no means a plating expert.  That written, the following webpage is a
good reference for plating materials onto aluminum:

        http://www.eaa.net/eaa/education/TALAT/lectures/5105.pdf

Best of luck,
Garrett Oakes

EV Group
invent * innovate * implement
Regional Sales Manager North America - Direct: +1 (480) 305 2443, Main: +1 (480)
305 2400 Fax: +1 (480) 305 2401
Cell: +1 (480) 516 6724
E-Mail: G.Oakes@EVGroup.com, Web: www.EVGroup.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Denis Petrov [mailto:dazeuhl@googlemail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:16 AM
To: General MEMS discussion
Subject: [mems-talk] Au electroplating on Al substrate

Hi all!

Happy New Year, first of all!

My question is, did anybody try to electroplate gold onto Al surface.
We have tried that at our facility recently. After 15 min. absolutely
nothing happened. No gold at all.

We shall be thankful for any suggestions.