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Anode dimension for better anode consumption

I work for a Trading company who is currently supplying plating chemicals and anode balls
for Semiconductors company.One of our customers is asking for a bigger anode ball (25 mm)dimension with an understanding that the bigger the anode balls the better the dissolution of metals compared to smaller anode ball (15 mm). I would like to verify if there is any theoretical explanation on this issue.

Graciela L. Delos Santos
- Philippines
2006

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Hi Graciela,
The dissolution of metal into solution would be the same with the use of both sized anode balls, as long as plating parameters remain constant. In effect, you will have a slightly lower anode area using the larger balls because of the space created in the basket between the balls. For example; fill a glass half full with small steel shot or BBs, fill a glass half full with marbles. Which has the greater voided area? I'm sure you get the picture. Most plating solutions recommend a 2:1 anode to cathode ratio as a minimum. Good Luck!

Mark Baker
process engineer - Malone, New York
2006