Electroplating coatings on complex profiled models made of conductive and current-conducting plastic

Abstract

The possibilities of the conductive and nonconductive composite plastics to be used for the complex profiled models made by the 3D prototyping in galvanoplastics are studied. A dissipating ability of the electrolyte by current and by metal using a Mohler slot cell was studied and applied, a visual study of samples was performed, and the weight and thickness of the metal deposited at different parts of the complex profiled surface of the samples was determined both of conductive and nonconductive plastics. The structure of the conductive plastic must ensure the uniformity of the electrical resistance of the material. The weight and size features of the models made of the conductive plastics for electroplating are determined. The optimal parameters of the process of electrochemical formation of the galvanoplastic copper deposits from copper sulfate electrolyte are defined. The advantages and disadvantages of the use of the conductive and nonconductive models are revealed resulting from a comparative analysis. The features of the process of galvanic coatings’ formation are determined for both cases. It is shown that, in the process of the galvanic manufacturing of the products, it is necessary to take into account a high adhesion of the deposited metal to the surface of the models made of the conductive plastic.