Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Electroplating isn't sticking -- a voltage issue?

2007

Hi,
I am doing a paper on electrochemical cells, and I am trying to explain why the solid deposist did not stick to the Anode used in the reaction.
I believe it is something to do with the Voltage we used (12V) and as such I was wondering what voltage is used in industrial electroplating. I have tried search engines and none of them list results. I am in grade 11

All help Appreciated!

Daniel S
Student - Caloundra, QLD, Australia

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Hi, Daniel. Nomenclature first: the plating goes onto the cathode, not the anode.

Sticking next: this almost always indicates that the cathode is not clean enough or active enough. You didn't say what the cathode is made of and what you are plating it with, but the "waterbreak test" may be useful. This simply means rinse the part before plating and if it stays wet it's clean; if the water beads up and areas dry out it's still dirty.

Voltage finally: it takes, depending on substrate and plating, something like 1/4 volts to 2 volts to do the electrochemical work. The rest is lost to resistance in the solution and is just about directly proportional to the distance from anode to cathode. In industrial electroplating (large items) typical voltages might be 5 to 18 volts. 12 volts is almost surely way more than you need. Not having any facts from you yet, I'd bet 3 volts is enough and 6 volts certainly is.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August-, 2007