Acidic copper electrolyte for shiny layers.
The Dr.Galva bright copper electrolyte convinces with a high deposition rate and a bright copper layer. Subsequent polishing of the polishable copper layer is not necessary. Further characteristics of electroplated copper from our range are the good levelling properties as well as excellent throwing power. This also applies to the ductility of the product, which makes the copper electrolyte primarily suitable for thin coatings and multi-layer processes.
The bright copper electrolyte was developed for all electroplating processes from bath electroplating to pin electroplating / pad electroplating. In doing so, the copper acid always delivers high-quality results, regardless of the electroplating process used.
Applications of electroplated copper
Electroplating copper is often the basis of corrosion protection systems. Here, the copper layer deposited from the copper electrolyte combined with a nickel or chrome coating forms the base layer of a durable multi-layer protection. In combination with brass, copper serves as a functional intermediate layer.
-galvanic copper increases the corrosion resistance of surfaces.
-galvanic copper plating provides improved thermal and electrical conductivity.
-copper-plated surfaces serve aesthetic purposes and are used as design elements in interior architecture, but also in exterior applications.
-coating in the context of silver and gold plating of objects.
The very good levelling properties of copper electrolyte reduce the polishing costs of metals. Furthermore, it has a very good polishability.
Gold and silver platings benefit from the layer build-up. In this case, bright copper forms the bottom layer on which a nickel layer is applied before the final gold or silver plating. The nickel layer serves as a diffusion barrier, otherwise the copper would diffuse into the gold and turn reddish.
Copper electrolyte for which materials
Alkaline copper electrolyte and acidic copper are suitable for a variety of different materials. However, differentiate carefully between acid-sensitive and acid-resistant materials. Acid-resistant materials such as nickel, copper, brass or bronze may be electroplated with copper acid in the first step. Acid-sensitive materials such as zinc or iron require pre-treatment with alkaline copper electrolyte. Only then is electroplating with bright copper electrolyte in the form of copper acid possible.
Surfaces made of aluminium, chrome, zinc, tin or titanium are unsuitable for direct acid copper plating.
How to achieve optimal results
You can use the high-quality bright copper for bath electroplating and pin electroplating / tampon electroplating. It delivers optimum results with each process, provided you take the following parameters into account:
Bath electroplating
approx. 1.5-2.3V (max. 2.5V)
Pin electroplating
approx. 2-2.3V
Current density
1-7A/dm²
Working temperature
15-60°C (preferably 20-40°C)
pH value
1
Use graphite or copper anodes as anodes.
Correct application for high quality results
Before electroplating, whether bath electroplating or pin electroplating, clean the workpiece with the utmost care, e.g. by degreasing it thoroughly with alcohol. Use disposable gloves to avoid transferring skin grease to the surfaces. Impurities caused by rust must be completely removed. In case of pin plating, always keep the pad in motion.
Either heat the bright copper to the recommended temperatures or use electrolytic copper at room temperature.
Only carry out copper plating in well-ventilated rooms and do not inhale the vapours and aerosols produced.
Labelling of the mixture:
Bright copper electrolyte
(contains copper sulphate, sulphuric acid)
GHS05 GHS09 GHS07
Signal word: Danger
H-phrases:
H290: May be corrosive to metals.
H315: Causes skin irritation.
H319: Causes severe eye irritation.
H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
P phrases:
P102: Keep out of the reach of children.
P234: Keep only in original container.
P280: Wear protective gloves / clothing / eye protection.
P302 + P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P305 + P351 + P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove existing contact lenses if possible. Continue rinsing.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to special waste.
