These cations are reduced at the cathode to the metal in the zero valence state. The electrolyte should contain positive ions (cations) of the metal to be deposited. See also: Electrotyping and Electroforming A copper anode is used to replenish the electrolyte with copper cations Cu 2+ The electrolyte is a solution of copper sulfate, CuSOĤ. Process Simplified diagram for electroplating copper (orange) on a conductive object (the cathode, 'Me', gray). with low transfer coefficients) have a higher (better) throwing power. Those compositions/conditions, that favor secondary current distribution with a small dependence of current on voltage (i.e. It depends mostly on the composition and temperature of the electroplating solution. Throwing power is an important parameter, which describes the uniformity of electroplating current (and of the electroplated thickness). The term 'electroplating' may also be used occasionally for processes that use an electric current to achieve oxidation of anions on to a solid substrate, as in the formation of silver chloride on silver wire to make silver/silver-chloride (AgCl) electrodes.Įlectropolishing, a process that uses an electric current to remove metal cations from the surface of a metal object, may be thought of as the opposite of electroplating. It is also used to purify metals such as copper. It is used to deposit copper and other conductors in forming printed circuit boards, and copper interconnects in integrated circuits. It is used to build up thickness on undersized or worn-out parts, or to manufacture metal plates with complex shape, a process called electroforming. The current is provided by an external power supply.Įlectroplating is widely used in industry and decorative arts to improve the surface qualities of objects-such as resistance to abrasion and corrosion, lubricity, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, or appearance. The part to be coated acts as the cathode (negative electrode) of an electrolytic cell the electrolyte is a solution of a salt of the metal to be coated and the anode (positive electrode) is usually either a block of that metal, or of some inert conductive material. Creation of protective or decorative metallic coating on other metal with electric current Copper electroplating machine for layering PCBsĮlectroplating, also known as electrochemical deposition or electrodeposition, is a process for producing a metal coating on a solid substrate through the reduction of cations of that metal by means of a direct electric current.

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