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?

[seanc]

Originally Posted by trickware121

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

Where are you located? I'm not aware of a 2-part CopyCad electrolyte. In the US, it comes in a single bottle that gets mixed w/water. The answers to your other questions may depend on the particular electrolyte you're using.

Is there a test to determine when it needs to be replaced?

I'm still using the same electrolyte I started w/ 2 1/2 years ago. Testing would require some knowledge of chemistry, and specific details again depend on the particular electrolyte.

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?

No.

You add brightener only when parts start to lose brightness from the previous batch. How often depends entirely on how many square inches you've already plated, and for how long.

3. Some guys on this board are getting very anal over the surface area calculations...can't I just approximate the surface area?

Well, if you don't mind "crappy" parts, you don't have to be anal. If you think your approximations are within +/- % of what your electrolyte calls for, that's all you need. Eyeball approximations can very deceptive though. There's a lot more surface area to nuts & bolts than you would imagine.

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?

It will absolutely make a difference in this case.

If you've calculated .55 and run at 1.0, that's nearly double the current density, and you'll likely have burnt plate.

+/- .5 amps on a 5 amp run would come out alright though.

You should be concerned about percentage of total amps. +/- 10% is acceptable, perhaps more, but again, it depends on your electrolyte.

Electrolyte may have a range of current density that will produce good plate. As long as you're within the range, you'll be good.

Your electrolyte and/or plating instructions should say what that range is.

Sean

[trickware121]

I plan to get anal about surface area!

It's on and I'm excited. I will try my second iteration of plating tonight.

Your advice, knowledge and suggestions not only posted in m thread but others is appreciated. Thanks.