Laboratory scale electroplating and processing of long lengths of in situ Cu3Sn superconductors

Abstract

Abstract The high temperature gradient solidification (HTGS) system for continuous casting of 12.7 mm diameter rods of in situ Cu-Nb is briefly reviewed. A laboratory scale continuous tin electroplating system is described and used to evaluate the effect of various parameters of the alkaline and acid baths plating process. Tin electroplating is shown to be simple and reliable. With an 8 m immersion length production speeds of ∼ 1 m min −1 are possible in an alkaline bath at 80°C. An acid bath gives satisfactory tinning deposits with a production speed of up to 3 m min −1 at room temperature.