Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

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

-----

Cu Anode balls Utilization Improvement in Electroplating Process

Q. Hi,
We are a manufacturing company which utilizes Cu and Sn electroplating process in our backend steps. I would like to solicit tips on how to improve utilization of our Cu and Sn anode balls (w/o reducing plating thickness) or improve tool UPH or improve plating uniformity. We basically use a typical electroplating setup with Cu anode balls (in Cu bath) and Sn anode balls (in Sn bath). Our cathode substrates (held by plating jigs) sequentially go through Cu bath then Sn bath via belt carousel. Very generic inputs are welcome. Appreciate your feedback. Thanks.

Jun Idjao
- LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES
October 3, 2017

Usually available on eBay; sometimes
on AbeBooks
or Amazon

(affil links) mfg_online
free pdf is currently available from academia.edu

A. Hi Jun. What do you mean by "improve utilization"? Do you mean you throw away the anode balls when they become small, but want to know how to not have to do that?
What is 'tool UPH' -- units per hour produced by the plating line? You want to increase the production rate? Do you have the rectifier power necessary? Have you run any Hull Cells which indicate that higher current density will not be a problem?
Uniformity refers to what, the plating being thicker in some areas and thinner in others?
By "belt carousel" are you saying that the parts are inserted into pockets in a continuous belt sort of like bullets are inserted into a bandolier? You are plating some sort of electronic components?

Do you have any plating books on hand which we can refer you to for discussions of these topics? This forum can be helpful in helping you locate reference material, and in answering highly specific questions, but for very generic coverage of plating issues, a paragraph or two here is no substitute for a book or a training course :-)

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 2017

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: