Re: Electroplating ABS prints from Prusa i3 - Problems August 16, 2015 09:55PM |
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Re: Electroplating ABS prints from Prusa i3 - Problems August 17, 2015 03:14AM |
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Re: Electroplating ABS prints from Prusa i3 - Problems August 18, 2015 11:20PM |
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Re: Electroplating ABS prints from Prusa i3 - Problems August 20, 2015 05:35PM |
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Re: Electroplating ABS prints from Prusa i3 - Problems January 25, 2016 08:58AM |
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Quote
CdnReprap
I've done electoplating in the past on plastic and sla parts and I found the Caswell kits work VERY well, and the book that comes with them covers everything in regards to electroplating from a DIY stand point. Not to mention safer chemicals to use indoors with exception of the Acid copper because you are using battery acid.
If you have CAD software that will give you the surface area of your model it will help calculate your current.
What works for me
step 1- copper sheilding spray in a spray can (from MG chem) or silver spray from Caswell that is sprayed in Prevail sprayer. Let it dry at least 24hrs.
Step 2-Electroplate Flash copper layer: "flash"copper gives a very fine, "sticky" layer (I skip the SP degreaser because the surface spray applied in step 1 is clean)
Step 3- Electroplate Acid Copper layer: Acid copper is the "high build" layer that you can build up real thick and sand/smooth imperfections and polish. How much depends on how smooth your part started off before step 1.
Step 4- Electroplate with Nickel or copy chrome(I like copy chrome myself because you don't need heaters)