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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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need info about the electroless copper plating bath

I need some info about the stability of the electroless copper plating bath. I do university work in Athens. I plate ABS and want help about anything specific you know for the bath I use (special in its stability) bath: CuSO4, rochelle salt ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , NaOH, HCHO

Andrew kourvetaris
- Athens/Greece
1999

ANDREW, DO NOT WASTE TIME WITH A "HOME BREW". GET A PROPRIETARY FROM Macdermid - ENTHONE - SHIPLEY ETC RAY

ray delorey
- burlington,ontario,canada
1999

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Andrew, proprietary is definitely the way to go. If you are using a proprietary system right now then either ask the manufacturer for help or switch vendors to one that provides better tech service! To answer your question, the ECu bath you described will plate out. You can decrease the occurance of plate-out by using continuous filtration (change filters regularly), using air agitation, lowering the pH of the solution when it's not in use, etc.. Also, using a tank with a smooth surface is important. I've found that scored/scratched tanks provide sites for plate-out. The way you add the chemicals to the tank for replenishment is also important. Basically you don't want any suspended Cu particles as these promote plate-out. There are also stabilizers that have been developed to lengthen bath-life. I wouldn't try plating without a tried-and-true stabilizer system. This is another reason to find a good vendor. Good luck. mp

Megan Pellenz
- Syracuse, New York
1999