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Sizing of Plating Tanks

2006

Good morning Dr/Sr

We want to process 3 pieces at a time (electroplating on aluminum with copper and tin). The biggest piece has a surface area of the 9600 cm (surface area 9600x3 cm)

We know the importance about pretreatment. (Alstan or zincating)

My question is:

Exists a formula approximate to know the suggested capacity of the tanks (liters) knowing the surface area for 3 pieces (bath for 3 pieces at a time)

pretreatments tanks
plating tanks

Thanks,
Juan David
- Colombia

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Hi Dave,

I'm not a plater .... but for your 9.6 M° plates, rather than a 'wide' tank, wouldn't it be best to use a narrow tank about 6" longer than the parts and 12" higher, too ... why 12"? That's because you don't want too high a liquid load, say 6" freeboard.

Width wise? No idea. Maybe 3" clearance on each side.

Does that make sense?

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
2006

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2006

Thanks Freeman

The pieces that We need electroplated are very long

3000x152x10 mm

are 3 pieces for bath
Juan David
- Colombia

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2006

Hi Juan,

As your pieces are long but only very narrow, why don't you consider a ROUND tank? Dig a long vertical hole !

I'm not sure about your temperature but if under l40°F (60° C), consider using some standard PVC pipe of say 12"Ø (actually you'd only need 8" but then there's the anode size to consider)

Just an idea. And if you did that, your ventilation system would be far smaller than using a rectangular tank.

Food for thought, anyhow.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).