Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Stabilization of electroless copper solution

What is the best way of stabilizing electroless copper solution for overnight shutdown?

Gustek Dariusz
Plating company - Brooklyn, New York
2006

---

2006

Gustek,
Under normal conditions a stabilizer is not needed for overnight shutdown. The following tips have helped me over the years.
1) Turn the heater off immediately after the last load is removed.
2) Turn the air agitation down to a minimum after the last load is removed.
3) Cover the tank.
4) Avoid making adds near the end of the shift.
5) If you have automatic chem feeders, make sure all pumps are off after the last load.
6) At the first sign of plate-out transfer solution and leach out with 50% by volume nitric acid. Rinse all equipment well before pumping the EC solution back to the tank. Any nitric left behind will cause havoc in your process.
Hope this helps!

Mark Baker
process engineer - Malone, New York

In addition to the last response, on EN, I would turn off the heat a little bit before the last run came out and then would top up the tank with water as needed. This dropped the temperature, slightly diluted the chemicals and had the correct tank level for the next days analyses (which would be well mixed).

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2006