here are certain timeless truths when it comes to printed circuits, and the more we stray from them, the more fervent our reaction when rediscovering them. Electrochemical deposition is going through such a revelation utilizing pulse reverse waveforms.
Electroplating was developed as a combination of Direct Current (DC) and a chemical bath. It was understood that this simple waveform and bath composition had considerable limitations. Numerous innovations followed to optimize the plating process for the desired deposit characteristics. There were advances in cell geometries, anode materials, temperature controls, monitoring, instrumentation and numerous others.
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HNKTech Europe Ltd. (Wimbledon, UK), a consultancy and developer ofcustomized FEA (finite element analysis) solutions, now offerssimulation software for electroplating components. The softwareproduces highly accurate coating uniformity, says the company, andreduces wastage costs, improves product quality, and time to market.
Traditional electroplating of such components as bearings, pistons, andlanding gear parts often results in an uneven finish as well as wastageas the plating technician tries to achieve uniformity through grindingand polishing. HNKTech’s FEA software works by creating a densitymodel. The model is displayed after inputting your electroplatingset-up including the geometric profile, material properties, andboundary conditions. Using these variables, the software simulates theelectroplating process then displays the density model with predictedplating thickness and uniformity.
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When things go wrong on a zinc electroplating line, quick solutions can save thousands of dollars. If the answer is not pre- or post-treatment, the laboratory is the place to troubleshoot the plating bath. A quick analysis and a few hull cells may be all it takes to put the operation back on its feet. This paper deals with the investigative process in the laboratory.
First things First
Quick solutions to problems on an electroplating line can save thousands of dollars. Experience is by far the most valuable tool a troubleshooter can possess. So successful troubleshooting begins when the line is at its best! Build your experience by walking the line when everything is running smoothly. Take note of solution color, smells, gage settings, etc. Intimate knowledge of your plating line and its idiosyncrasies will expedite the solution to future problems.
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Electroplating is a process used to reduce the positively charged ions of a desired material, with the help of an electric current. The process also coats a conductive object with a thin layer of the material, such as a metal. Zinc electroplating is one of the most common forms of electroplating and popular because of its relatively low cost, protective nature and attractive appearance. The coating done through this process gives corrosion protection to ferrous components and it can give colors like gold, black or olive drab finish, by post treatment.
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If you’ve ever purchased inexpensive jewelry with a fine coating of precious metal, then you’ve witnessed the end result of electroplating. It’s an electrochemical reaction used to put a fine metallic coating on an object. Aside from making cheap jewelry, electroplating has important uses in the automotive industry for chrome plating, and in the electronics industry for optics and sensors.
The process of electroplating (also referred to as electrodeposition) is fairly simple. To start, a negative charge is placed on the object that will be coated. The object is then immersed in a salt solution of the metal that will be used to plate the object. From there, it’s simply a matter of attraction; the metallic ions of the salt are positively charged and are thus attracted to the negatively charged object. Once they connect, the positively charged ions revert back to their metallic form again and you have a newly electroplated object.
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