some questions

[MaskedGeek]

thanx

[mcaswell]

Re: come questions

Yes, you can plate onto aluminum. It requires a pre-dip in a Zincate solution. See http://www.caswellplating.com/zincate.htm

Plating silver is just like plating copper. The only difference is the anode is silver, not copper, and the electrolyte solution is a different chemical.

[MaskedGeek]

Re: some questions

thanx!, i fixed the name of this message, oops,

ok iv seen some stuff done, im pretty much a noob on this, but all i need is lik 5volts and a stick of copper and attach one end to the copper and one end to the aluminum? its the neg to the copper rite cince electrisity flows from - to + rite?
and all i would need is that stuff cince i can supply the power and the copper rite?

[MaskedGeek]

Re: some questions

and is there any place or other stuff i can use instead of zincate?

[mcaswell]

Re: some questions

Your piece of copper metal is the anode. You attach the positive connection to your anode.

The piece you want to plate is the cathode. The cathode is suspended into some copper plating solution (the electrolyte). You attach the negative connection to the wire that\'s holding the cathod in the electrolyte.

If you have the copper anode, and you have a power supply, all you\'ll need is the plating solution. See http://www.caswellplating.com/access.htm
CPRC1G Copper Crystals 1 Gal $40.00

Note: Copper plating requires 0.1 amps per square inch of area of your part, so calculate the area of you part in square inches, then multiply by 0.1 to find out how many amps your power supply needs to put out.

You can try bead blasting the aluminum IMMEDIATELY before plating, but most people are unable to get a plate to stick to aluminum without using Zincate.

[MaskedGeek]

Re: some questions

ook thats makin sence... its because of the aluminum oxide that forms on the surface of the aluminum rite?

ok now im thinking of more plating silver on copper now, can i buy a 1troy ounce .999 silver thing and use it as the anode?

ooh and the power i was thinking of using was a computer power supply, i do a lot of work on computers and all, i can supply 30amps with 5volts

[MaskedGeek]

Re: some questions

http://www.caswellplating.com/plugnplate.htm

what about that suff? the 4oz of silver solution?

[mcaswell]

Re: some questions

Yep - aluminum oxide prevents a plate from adhering properly. Zincate prevents the oxide from forming.

Yes, you can buy that silver. We also sell silver anodes. Search our web site for silver anodes and you\'ll find it. You can also use a stainless steel anode. Let me explain:

If you use a stainless steel anode, then the silver metal plates from the metal that is dissolved in the solution. This means that the silver solution wears out quickly.

If you use a silver anode, the metal plates from the anode. The anode will wear out (physically shrink) and the solution will last a longer time (about the life of 4-5 anodes)

Does that power supply give out DC? DC current is required.

Yes, you can use that silver solution to brush plate or immersion plate.

[MaskedGeek]

some silver plating questions, im a little confused about this, i dont see any good guides to this,

ok basicly, im gonna be plating some copper heat exchangers so they look good and dont oxide over and look crappy. also plating the brass hosebarbs,

what i understand about copper plating is there is a solution that you dip the peice in along with the anode, and turn it on and let it plate, is it the same as with silver?
also, wouldnt were the alagator clip is on the other peice wouldnt it not plate there?

also, this would need to plate really evenly,
as i have stated, i have the power supply, 5v up to 30amps, so there is no problem there,
what else i need is anode, got that aranged
and solution:
PROD PNPS12 4 oz Silver Solution $15.00 <-- thats what i need rite? do i mix it with anything or how does this all work?

thankyou

[mcaswell]

Silver Plating

what i understand about copper plating is there is a solution that you dip the peice in along with the anode, and turn it on and let it plate, is it the same as with silver?

Yes it is. The solution is a different chemical, but the process is the same.

also, wouldnt were the alagator clip is on the other peice wouldnt it not plate there?

That's correct. You don't have to use an alligator clip...most people hang parts from thin pieces of copper wire. You can usually find a spot to hang from that won't notice. You can also move the hanging location during plating.

I'd suggest you purchase our plating manual and read through the directions. The paper manual is $20.00 and the online manual is $15.00. See http://www.caswellplating.com/complete.htm and http://www.caswellplating.com/manual

[MaskedGeek]

im not one to spend extra money on a manual when i dont have hardly enough the way it is,
id rather search it on google and find out, or talk to someone who does it, ihave it mostly down, but another question

do you dilute the solution? like mix so much for so much distilled water?

thanx for your help

[mcaswell]

Silver Questions

It depends on the solution and the manufacturer of whatever chemical you're buying. Some come pre-mixed and ready to use.

Some come in crystal form that require mixing with distilled water.

Some come in liquid form and require diluting and mixing.

Please do consider the manaul. It'll be the best $20 you ever spent if you plan on doing any electroplating. It'll more than pay for itself, just by saving you time looking on Google and getting bad advice from who knows where.

[MaskedGeek]

im talking about the stuff on yoru site, the 15 dollar stuff, in the plug'n'plate section
i would prefer not buy it if i can
if you dont mind helping me out a little how does this sound?

Plating solution at room temperature.
Immerse silver anode connected to positive lead wire.
Attach negative lead wire alligator clamp to handling wire on item to be plated.
Dial 2V and turn switch to "On Position".
Immerse article 30 seconds or until completely covered with silver. Article will usually emerge with a dull milky colour.
Brighten colour by buffing with a bristle brush.

i will be attaching a lead to a screw that will be threaded into the peice , i dont supose that it will try to silver plate the screw rite into the peice would it?

[mcaswell]

Silver Plating

Yep - you've got it straight.

You use that solution as is....no dilution.

[MaskedGeek]

ok uh... um.... i think the peices ill be plating will be larger than 4 ounces... like 2x3inch peices...