Gold Bonding Wire and Plating in SMD LED (Surface Mount Device) Strips
Industrial Gold Scraps / Electronic Components · Pure Yellow Gold (Industrial Grade)
Purity: 99.99% (24K equivalent) for bonding wires; plating varies from 14K to 24K thickness
Type
Industrial Gold Scraps / Electronic Components
Purity
99.99% (24K equivalent) for bonding wires; plating varies from 14K to 24K thickness
Gold Type
Pure Yellow Gold (Industrial Grade)
Weight
Negligible per unit; typically 0.001g to 0.005g of gold per 100 LEDs
Description
This item is an electronic component strip containing Surface Mount Device (SMD) LEDs. In high-quality LEDs, gold is utilized for microscopic bonding wires (often 99.99% pure) and as a plating layer on the base leads to prevent corrosion and ensure high conductivity. While the yellow visible in the center is phosphor, the precious metal value is hidden in the internal circuitry and the contact pads.
Key Features
High conductivity, corrosion resistance, ultra-fine 24K bonding wires, and heat dissipation plating.
Color & Finish
High-luster yellow gold visible on bonding wires and base pad plating
Hallmarks & Stamps
None; identifiable by manufacturer part numbers on PCB rather than metal stamps
Dimensions Estimate
LED package approx 2.8mm x 3.5mm (2835 SMD) or 5.0mm x 5.0mm (5050 SMD)
Gemstones & Inlays
None; yellow areas are phosphor-coated diode chips
Clasp & Closure
None; surface-mount solder joints (lead/tin or silver-tin compositions)
Chain & Links
N/A; internal microscopic bonding wires connect the chip to the lead frame
Craftsmanship Details
Precision robotic assembly (pick-and-place), ultrasonic gold wire bonding, and automated phosphor dispensing.
Authentication Indicators
Visual identification of electronic components; lack of magnetic response on contact leads (if high gold content); professional XRF analysis required to verify plating thickness.
Origin & Maker
Generic electronics manufacturing (e.g., Samsung, Epistar, or Cree high-density strips)
Era & Period
Contemporary (2010s-present)
Age Estimate
Circa 2015-2023 based on SMD packaging style
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Urban Gold Mining' movement where precious metals are recovered from e-waste rather than Earth's crust.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor (Scrap Grade); visible signs of removal from a larger assembly, dust, and potential heat stress.
Value Estimate
Industrial scrap value; primarily 'melt' value recovered through chemical aqua regia refining or cyanide leaching. Individual pieces have no significant monetary value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry and away from corrosive chemicals; for reclamation, store in a static-shielded bag before chemical refining.
Similar Items
Gold-plated CPU pins, RAM 'fingers', gold-bonded integrated circuits (ICs), and telecommunications relay contacts.
Interesting Facts
The electronics industry is one of the largest consumers of gold due to its unique property of never tarnishing, which ensures reliable electrical connections for decades.