lintmann:
A little more info needed
- Is this the original CopyCad formula ot the "new" formula"
- Are you using the brightener?
DO NOT try to adjust your voltage. Only adjust the current to whatever is needed for the size of the part(s).
Turn the voltage all the way up, then set your current to what you want, and the voltage will self-adjust. It will ALWAYS be low, depending on the size of the part.
You need more current. Use 75-100 mA/sq-in for the old formula, 140 mA/sq-in for the new formula.
W/the old formula, your 3 amp supply is good for 40 sq-in optimum. You can get 60 sq-in out of it (50 mA/sq-in), but results won't be as good.
W/the new formula, you're good to 22 sq-in.
DO NOT use fizzing as a guide, it's not reliable or repeatable. Large parts will fizz more than small parts, and it depends on both bath temperature and distance from part to anode.
There's no way around this, you'll have to calculate the surface area fairly closely. Surface area of parts is quite deceptive. Guessing is usually WAY off.
Your nuts & bolts came out good because you plated them at almost 2 amps, and from experience I'd say each of those small bolts is about 2 sq-in, plus the other parts, probably came close to 20 sq-in total, so you plated them at @ 90-100 mA/sq-in.
And DO NOT handle or try to "polish" the parts right away. Rinse well & let dry overnight before handling them.
Sean