Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Machinist needs know-how to electroplate copper onto steel

Would like to know how to electroplate copper onto steel. Need to know the electrolyte and spacing for electrodes.

Thank you,

Eldon D [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
Machinist - Columbus, New Mexico, USA
2003

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Hello Eldon. The best electrolyte might be a Rochelle Copper bath (caution, contains cyanide), or possibly a pyrophosphate; you cannot use copper sulphate. You can learn more about these solutions in the Metal Finishing Guidebook. The best electrode spacing is as tight as you can get with no risk of touching, and no excessive dogboneing with the particular shape of the parts you are plating.

You haven't told us anything about yourself, your level of experience, your facilities, the parts, or why you want to plate them, and it is difficult to read between the lines. Hopefully you realize that you cannot do plating without a host of environmental permits (start with EPA 40CFR433). Many people don't realize that plating is a jobshop oriented business and that there are plating shops in the business of serving accounts like yours, so we'll mention that as well. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003