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Electroplating onto bismuth

February 4, 2009

Hi,

I'm working on a project that intends to use a bismuth form onto which other metals will be plated with the bismuth being removed (by melting) and recycled.

So far, all the information I can find talks about plating bismuth onto other substrates.

I've assumed so far that it can be down, but would much prefer to avoid reinventing the process!

Has anyone done this?
Any special advice or potential dangers or problems?

Much appreciation.

Charles Barnard
Manufacturing process designer - Menomonie, Wisconsin, USA

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Bismuth is a poison, so it needs to be used with caution and certainly have the MSDS for it and train the employees or you could be in deep doo-doo if an employee makes an issue of it to OSHA.
You might look into other low melting point metals (which most will contain some bismuth, but less than pure bismuth). I think that Cerro is still in business and they have a family of options.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
February 7, 2009

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February 19, 2009

I have just copied this from a bismuth MSDS

Toxicology

No known significant toxic effects.

Toxicity data

ORL-RAT LD50 5000 mg kg-1
ORL-MUS LD50 10,000 mg kg-1

These are enormous doses.

Bismuth has many medical uses, its salts are used in cosmetics and the metal in lead free solders.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England

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February 20, 2009

OK, I yield to the printed word. Still have the MSDS as you probably will find some opinionated inspector at some time. It is nice to shoot them down with the paperwork.
I was under the impression that inhaled bismuth was a problem, but certainly not at those dose levels.
Sorry if I led anyone astray.
Jim

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida