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Cathode area compared to tank size

February 24, 2011

I am looking to set up lab scale tanks for plating on aluminum. Not sure what the minimum size tanks I should plan. Typical sample sizes range from 4"x8" to 8"x 12"

Are there any recommended ratios: maximum cathode (workpiece) area to tank size (and volume) for the following processes:

- Zincating of Aluminum
- Sulfamate Nickel Plating
- Acid Copper plating

Where can I get more information on sizes etc?

Thank you

Hassan Ali
Consulting - San Jose, California, USA

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Hi, Hassan.

Zincating is non-electrolytic and does not use cathodes. The general way of sizing anodes for electroplating is usually to put them along the long dimension of the tanks on both sides. Ideally they are slightly smaller than the workpiece to try to minimize build up of plating on the outside edges of the part.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 25, 2011

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Thanks Ted. My question about zincating pertains to bath loading. My 5-liter beaker (alkaline zincate bath) may be inadequate for 6"x 4" samples, and may not last long. I also saw excessive gassing, and even loose zinc deposit (40 C, 30 sec immersion).
I have access to a 10-liter electroless nickel.
For other electroplating (Ni, Cu) I am also using 5-liter beaker, which is too tight for 4"x 6" parts (plated on both sides). I want to go larger.. but not too large. I have lab space limitations.
Thanks
Hassan

Hassan Ali
- San Jose, California, USA
February 26, 2011