Michael:
I believe most of the plating chemistries are current dependent. There may be some chemistries that are voltage dependent, but I'm not familiar with them.
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Building a variable supply on either volts or amps is not all that difficult but not sure how to build a dual variable one. Have not looked into that yet.
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It's simple really:
- If the plating chemistry is current dependent, you want one w/ controllable current.
- If the plating chemistry is voltage dependent, you want one w/ controllable voltage.
- If you expect to do both types of plating, you want both controllable.
You CANNOT control both simultaneously. You get to pick control over one or the other, voltage or current. Mother nature picks the remaining one.
Determine the maximum current & voltage you'll ever need, for the largest parts you plan to plate, with the most aggressive chemistry you plan to use. Build a supply that can deliver both maximums, and put variable control on the appropriate one (usually current control).
It's just not quite black & white. eg. 12v is inadequate for LCD anodizing, but OTOH, it's overkill for zinc plating. I've never had zinc go above 3v. (with very small parts, < .5v)
I know chrome requires very high current densities, so will probably be your worst case. But someone familiar w/chrome would have to say what max voltages to expect.
Sean