Electroplating basics - How to calculate the current for your part

How to estimate the current to use as starting value is shown. This is based on that you need to know the surface area of your part to electroplate. Estimating the surface area from the weight of an A4 paper is a simple method that will provide you with a rough value so you can set the power supply. Usually, much lower current values are required to electroplate. However above the value you get from the estimated value in the video, one will often encounter gas evolution at the surface of the part, resulting in a porous electroplate.

[@tinaleanne8230]

The front and back of the part is symmetrical, just cut out one and multiply by 2.

[@Jin-Ro]

Well I followed your Rust removal electrolysis video with great results, so I think I'll have to try this now. I don't have a magnetic stirrer, so will try and silicone seal the electronics on a small CPU computer fan and try that.

[@anitacurnutt7641]

Thank you for this video! Makes a complex Calc much easier.

[@ThaStone]

thanks for the vid man.. very thorough scentific approach. Can you do a video on methods to mask off areas you DONT want electroplated or DONT want to be affected by electrolysis..for instance I have a rear differential with bearing and mating surfaces that I would prefer to clean more delicately by hand to prevent damage, and also dont want plated, but would like to clean most of it by electrolysis.

[@Ken_Sweden]

Christopher Stone, great input. I believe it is should be straight forward but I have to test. I will show in video how I mask off areas using wax. I think that’s possibly the best way to go.

[@GaryMcKinnonUFO]

If you have a CAD model of your part, most of them can tell you the surface area.

[@DJLadyAndrogina]

this is a fantastic video and wel done my friend :)

[@tashspond]

Finally something I can understand!

[@dougs184]

Thank you, very informative!

[@Void-gn9zm]

This might come off as a dumb question... but let’s say I have 10 parts that measure one square inch each. I then go set them on my rack for plating simultaneously. Would I plate at 0.2 amps or would I plate at 1.0 amps?

[@Ken_Sweden]

You multiply up w number of parts. ☝️👍

[@FlameheartzEX]

This may be a dumb question but I got to ask, how would you know that your electric current 0.2 Amp/inch2 would be efficient enough to plate the entire area? Unless of course you make the Voltage a constant variable and adjust the current to gain this specific current density to plate in a small amount of time.

[@Ken_Sweden]

I don’t know that on beforehand. I just bring it up and check with time.

[@FlameheartzEX]

I see, but is it possible to calculate current density when you are provided with the area of the object you want to plate and which metal is provided to plate it on? Because I can't seemed to find any ways to calculate it unless if they could provide a time to do so.

[@OneCupOfCoffee204]

2.2 Amps seems like a lot for such a small part.

[@tengofekadu1735]

It's really helpful video. I can't see your electrolyte solution ingredients. Can please provide me the salt solution?

[@Ken_Sweden]

Sorry I see this question late:

[@Ken_Sweden]

0.44 M av metalljonen
- 40g/l borsyra
- 12 g/l natriumsulfat

[@nanoblasting]

thanks

[@bobferranti5222]

Amazing!

[@mrdon81]

lol.. this is genius. getting a 0.001mg weight scale. thanks!

[@philiprowe2147]

Can I just use graph paper and count the squares?

[@stclairstclair]

That was my first thought too!

[@darkvictoryarmory4349]

Very clever.

[@christurnblom4825]

Jebus! I hate math. but we have to do a little, at least to electroplate.
I think I'll just wrap them in foil & measure with an app. for now.

[@iankidd6654]

You could do it the same way Archimedes did it, by seeing how much water it would displace

[@Ken_Sweden]

Great input 👍

[@Phantom-mk4kp]

That calculates volume not surface area. A sphere of metal beaten out to a thin sheet don't have the same surface area

[@iankidd6654]

@@Phantom-mk4kp you are absolutely correct. My bad

[@rogiervdheide]

Archimedes determined volume.

[@OneCupOfCoffee204]

weigh the paper then add the weight of the cutouts

[@thejokersgrin8285]

What would be the voltage?

[@Ken_Sweden]

U set either current or Voltage as constant on the rectifier. The other one will follow. I think 0.1 amp / inch 2 in my case was about 1-2, max on rectifier was 12. The issue with regulating the field strength with the voltage potential is that your part will be more uneven coated because the current in the solution will change as your part builds a new surface that is more or less conductive.

[@tifjosi]

Neat