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Pt plating: surface finish versus allowable strain
I am trying to selectively, electroplate a stent (i.e. medical implant) with 5-microns of platinum. The surface area to be plated is approximately .008 sq. inches. The substrate is MP-35N cobalt-chrome. Areas where plating is not desired are masked with a butyl-rubber stop-off lacquer (Tolber Miccro XP-2000)
A mirror-like surface is desired, but the plating also must survive at least 15% strain imparted by the substrate. Some postings/responses here indicate that this desired combination of characteristics is somewhat unattainable.
I have had luck with a local vendor on getting the desired surface finish. The vendor maintains that by lowering the current, he was able to get from a matte grey to a shiny silver finish. Unfortunately, the improved finish is not strain friendly.
The vendor uses a Technic Pt-plating solution. The surface is prepped with a series of alkaline etchant and acid baths. A gold strike is laid down prior to plating. The parts are in the bath for 2 hours.
Are there any optimistic individuals out there that can give me hope and/or advice?
Medical Device Mfg. - Menlo Park, California, USA
2006
publicly reply to David Lowe
Why not use pure soft gold(99.99) to stand the strain. Pure gold is also as inert as Pt for stent application?
Hamilton Solidum- Mays Landing, NJ
2006
publicly reply to Hamilton Solidum
Type III soft gold was something considered. Gold has been used in dental work for its bio-inertness, but the surface characteristics after plating brings up other concerns - some speculative, but others proven.
David LoweMedical Device Mfg. - Menlo Park, California, USA
2006
publicly reply to David Lowe
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