Copy Cad (Zinc/Cadium) questions...

[trickware121]

Hi,

I am new and a few questions regarding the Copy Cad Zinc/Cadium system.

I am plating nuts and bolts for a vintage motorcycle.

1. How long can I use the electrolyte solution (Copy CAD part A and B) before I need to replace it?

Reason I ask is the solution was extremely dark when I first started, now after plating for 4 hours the solution is a light yellow. What did I lose? Is there a test to determine when it needs to be replaced?

2. Do I need to replenish my solution with the zinc brightner every time I start plating? How often do I need to replenish it? Do I need to add everytime I plate a batch of parts?

3. Some guys on this board are getting very anal over the surface area calculations...can't I just approximate the surface area? Will differences of ±.5 amps make a difference? Say the calculated amperage is .55 amps, will setting the machine to 1.0 amps have any effect?

[cbrooks]

1. How long can I use the electrolyte solution (Copy CAD part A and B) before I need to replace it?
Once the parts are mixed together they will last indefinitely. The sloution will change color and you have not lost anything.

2. Do I need to replenish my solution with the zinc brightner every time I start plating? How often do I need to replenish it? Do I need to add everytime I plate a batch of parts?
You will need to add brightener when your parts continue to come out dull.

3. Some guys on this board are getting very anal over the surface area calculations...can't I just approximate the surface area? Will differences of ±.5 amps make a difference? Say the calculated amperage is .55 amps, will setting the machine to 1.0 amps have any effect?

The amperage is the most important aspect of getting the proper plating. If you do not calculate the square inches properly you will not get the plating finish that you desire. Having the surface calculated properly is paramount to your success. Using aluminum foil to cover the nuts and bolts then taking it off and arranging into a rectangular shape the best that you can will provide the square inches to be plated. Multiplying length times the width equals sq. ins. then multiply by .14 to get the amps.

[trickware121]

Thank you for your help and suggestions. I will be more careful at calculating my surface area. Thanks!