Below you can find a summary of our material properties. All properties are funded upon tests and analyses that were either conducted by us or other institutes/companies. The properties of galvanic depositions usually oscillate a little due to process related factors.

We always aim to keep these fluctuations as minor as possible and analyze all the parameters that are in our power to analyze. The properties of our depositions are within the ranges shown below.

Galvano-T Copper

Apart from our bright copper electrolytes we also have a satin finish bath (type LP1), that we don’t have current information on material properties on.

Galvano-T Nickel

Which factors influence our depositions?

Temperature of Electrolyte:
The temperature of the electrolyte can influence a deposition drastically. Particularly hardness, inner tensions and visual appearance can differ significantly if the galvanic layer was created at colder or warmer temperatures than intended. Most of our baths run approximately at room temperature or slightly above that.

Chemical Composition:
The chemical parameters of the electrolytes need to be controlled as well. If, for example, the copper contents of a copper electrolyte sink below a certain degree, faulty, or even amorphous, depositions are the result. Bath additives (like brightening and flattening agents) need be added conscientiously as well. If a bright copper bath runs out of brightener, for example, the deposition becomes matte and soft.

Anodes:
As a rule, anodes must be crafted from specific anode material (soluble copper anodes contain phosphorus, for example). Positioning of the anodes is no trifle either. They distinctively influence the growth of the layer. With geometric complex layers in particular the mindful positioning of anodes can mean the difference between success and failure.

Motion:
Most electrolytes work just better if they, or the work piece get moved. The electrolyte near the cathode is impoverished quickly during plating and movement grants immediate replenishment of additives. Also bubbles that otherwise would cause pores get flushed away.

Electric Current:
Too high currents cause “burning” of the deposit, too low currents cause dullness in bright electrolytes. Both extremes can cause inner tensions, too. This is why it is so important to always know how big the surface area is and at which current density is best to achieve the desired results.
Apart from these basics you can also influence the deposition by utilizing pulse plating or reverse pulse plating.

Conclusion:
Playing with all these parameters allows us to modify galvanic layers significantly. However, one always has to keep in mind that raising the hardness on purpose (for example) can lead to less elongation and a worse electric conductivity. Therefore, competent consulting to determine your project’s specific needs is the first step towards success.