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Electroforming using aluminum

2004

Hello readers,

I am trying to set up an electroforming system. Specifically, electroplate nickel sulfamate on aluminum and then etch out the aluminum to form more like a snail shell pattern with a length of approx. 4" Working on a low budget and am looking for advise and leads on quality plating kits that would meet my needs.

With a possibility of a commercial scale up after proof of concept. Thanks in advance and stay sticky...just a little plating humor.

Qailmas Khan
Fuel cell development - Livermore, California, USA

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Hi, Qailmas.

I don't know of kits for this, probably because electroforming (with its usual needs for thickness, uniformity, freedom from porosity, and lack of brittleness & internal stress) is not an entry level plating process.

But there are firms like NiCoForm [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] who specialize in making electroformed components for people in your situation. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 27, 2011