Product Overview
Shadow is an advanced direct metallization for HDI and flex type constructions which allows for plating of complex through holes in a simple and easy to control process. This environmentally conscious patented graphite based slightly alkaline aqueous dispersion of conductive colloids and proprietary additives is used to make through-holes and blind vias conductive for subsequent copper electroplating. 26 years of patented technology, 280 active lines, over 1 billion boards produced: Shadow delivers what matters.
Product Features
- Lowest particle size for fine feature performance
- Unsurpassed reliability verified with IST, HATS and Thermal Cycling
- Copper via fill plating with no flash plate, improving production flow and cost models
- High copper-to-copper direct bonding strength
- Simple, easy to control, four step process
Shadow is an advanced direct metallization for HDI and flex type constructions which allows for plating of complex through holes in a simple and easy to control process.

Shadow Sales Sheet (EN)

PCB, Rigid Flex, Any Layer HDI. Shadow Does It All.
The numbers don’t lie. Shadow is the number one direct metallization solution for advanced through hole and via plating sold today. Whether you’re plating single or stacked vias, low or high aspect ratio through holes, Shadow does it cleaner, faster, and more reliably than any other metallization process.
Shadow is capable of plating materials that electroless copper and other direct metallizations cannot. Complex designs such as any layer HDI, complex blind vias and high aspect ratio through holes are no match for Shadow technology. Advanced substrates such as high frequency PCB materials, PTFE and flex boards are fully compatible with the Shadow process.
Meet the Experts:
Leslie Kim - Director, Primary Metallization
24 years in the electronics industry with 20 years working directly with Shadow.
Leslie is an industry-leading professional with knowledge and experience for all wet processes including Shadow for various electronic devices.


Wei Yan - Senior Process Specialist
25 years in the electronics industry with 18 years working directly with Shadow.
Wei has hands-on experience with panel buildup as well as all wet process steps involved in PCB manufacturing. This wide experience in actual PCB manufacturing makes her a direct metallization expert.
Roger Bernards - Research and Development Manager
33 years in the electronics industry. 23 of those years working directly with Shadow.
Roger is responsible for several patents and is the formulator of many successful circuit board chemistries including those utilized within the Shadow process.


Graham Lee - Process Specialist
21 Years in the electronics industry. 18 of those years working directly with Shadow.
Graham has more than 20 years of experience as a primary metallization process specialist including electroless copper and direct metallization.