🚀 go-pugleaf

An interesting question was posted on another forum:
"can you get (ceramic) SMD caps (1206,0805 etc) with the values printed on 
them?".

My first response was that I've very rarely seen this (like maybe once), and 
while it is possible (see 
http://www.synrad.com/search_apps/application_briefs/117-2.htm), you 
basically can't get labeled ones, they are almost always without markings.

It got me to thinking, why is it so?
My guess would be that it's due to the surface finish (or lack thereof) on 
ceramic capacitors, and/or the delicate nature of their multi-layer 
construction means they could be more easily damaged or properties altered 
by the process.
As opposed to most SMD resistors that have a coating on them which would 
allow for easy and accurate printing using various technologies.

Any know the real reason(s) why ceramic SMD caps don't have markings?

Dave.
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