Electroforming

Electroforming total view:

Electroforming is a special processing method which use principle of metal electrowinning to accurately replicate some complex or special shape of the workpiece. It is a special application of electroplating. Electroforming is invented by Russian scholar Б.С. Jacobi in year of 1837.

Electroforming application and principle:

Initially mainly used for copying and printing plate metal artwork, in the end of 19th century for the manufacture of record stamper, later gradually expand the scope of application. The basic principle is to be make desired shape of the original mold as a cathode advanced, while an electroforming material as anode, with the same salt solution which anode material put into, through the DC power supply. Under electrolysis, the original mold surface gradually deposited metal electroformed layer is removed from the solution reaches the desired thickness, the electroformed layer separated from the original model, it will be awarded corresponding shape of metal copies of original mold.

Electroforming can be divided into three categories, namely decorative plating (with nickel – chromium, gold, silver as the representative), protective electroforming (galvanized represented) and functional plating (hard chrome plating represented). Electroforming is one of functions of plating by using of electroplating method to manufacture the product.

Electroforming technical processes:

Modern technology, the same principle of electro plating. In the casting solution, the casting part as cathode, after surface activation treatment there is a conductive layer, on-current, in the electric field electrophoresis metal gradually deposited on the die castings can be removed after get a certain thickness. Then grinding and welding, surface treatment, it becomes a beautiful piece of jewelry electroforming.