Research to the Uniformity of Ni-Co Alloy Electroforming

Abstract

The effects of additive TN1, power waveforms (full wave, half wave, and direct current), current density and pH on the throwing power of Ni-Co alloy electroforming solution had been investigated by orthogonal tests; and the effects of plating parameters on current distribution of cathode by ANSYS numerical simulation were discussed. The results of orthogonal test showed that the additive TN1 had the largest effect on the throwing power; the power waveform was secondary; the current density and pH had minor effect. The biggest throwing power was 78% when the TN1 was 15g/L and waveform was full wave. Numerical simulation showed that the cathode shape and shield had effect on current distribution; reasonable cathode shape and application of shield could improve the current distribution. The thickness uniformity of part could be up to 92% by optimizing of electrolyte, adjusting the electroforming technics and applying second electroplating.