An electroplating factory encountered severe roughness in the plating layer when using alkaline copper plating additives. However, even after filtering the plating solution multiple times, the problem persisted. They sought our assistance, and in this article, we will analyze the causes and solutions.
High water hardness
According to our investigation, the water used by the electroplating plant to prepare and replenish the tank solution is tap water with a relatively high hardness. As we all know, alkaline copper plating solutions have high temperatures and water evaporates quickly. As production continues, the minerals contained in the water (such as calcium and magnesium ions) accumulate in the tank solution. When these salts reach a certain concentration, precipitation occurs.
In this case, insoluble particles will settle on the electroplated parts, causing the coating to become rough. Attempts to filter them out will not be successful.
Bigley's engineers recommended that the electroplating plant reconstitute or replenish the tank solution with pure water, which would solve the problem.
Imbalance between copper and free sodium cyanide
Observing the pre-plated copper layer, you will find that the color of the copper layer is different from normal. Normally, the copper layer appears rose-colored, but at this point, the color of the copper layer appears more “aged.”
When touching copper with your hand, it does not feel slippery, but rather like touching pine wood. Upon closer inspection, the coating crystals are relatively coarse. When this coating undergoes acid bright copper thickening, it will cause burrs on the coating.
Treatment method: Analyze and adjust the composition of the bath solution to the process specifications. After adjustment, the color and roughness of the coating were completely improved. After plating acidic bright copper, both the brightness and flatness were good. When using alkaline copper plating additives, what is the appropriate ratio of copper to free sodium cyanide to control? For specific data, you can consult the Bigely engineer.
About us
Guangdong Bigely Technology Co., Ltd. ,founded in 2003, is a high-tech enterprise integrating R & D，production, sales and service, specializing in the production of electroplating additives.As a famous electroplating additives source manufacturer in China, Bigely Technology is a national high-tech enterprise with a strong research and development team, which has over 10 engineers with more than 20 years' working experience in the electroplating industry.
If you need our high-quality electroplating additives, please contact us. We can provide you samples for test, and also provide a series of services.
