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METWHITE 100
DECORATIVE WHITE BRONZE PLATING PROCESS
METWHITE 100 is a New Decorative White Bronze plating process.The process is designed to give
fully bright ,white bronze deposits suitable as a substitute for Nickel in applications which demand
Nickel Free in order to conform to European legislation restricting the use of Nickel.
It is an alternative to more costly Palladium which is also used for Nickel Free jewellery.
The process is used as a barrier layer prior to the final colour requirement , it can be used in Rack and
Barrel applications and is suitable for both decorative and electronic applications.
Coating electronic components with METWHITE 100 achieves a higher electrical conductivity than
pure Silver , allowing technical applications in the connector field.
The deposit is an alloy of Copper , Tin and Zinc in ratio to give an alloy composition which is white,
bright and has a high wear and corrosion resistance.
Brilliant White Deposit
Good corrosion resistance
Easy to Operate
Fast deposition speed
Excellent Throwing Power
OPERATING CONDITIONS
The following table outlines the optimum operating conditions for the bath.
Parameter
Unit
Range
Optimum
Copper
g/l
10-15
12
Tin
g/l
18-22
20
Zinc
g/l
1-3
Free Cyanide
g/l
45 - 55
50
Temperature
45 - 65
60
12 - 13
12.5
Current Density
A / dm2
1-4
Deposition Speed
/ min
0.25 - 1
0.35
Anode
6:1 - 2:1
4-1
Filtration
Agitation
Continuous
5 -15 Micron
Moderate Cathode Movement
pH
2.
DEPOSIT CHARACTERISTICS
Property
Deposit Composition
Hardness
(Dependent on deposit composition)
Appearance / Colour
Value
Copper = 64 %
Tin = 30 %
Zinc = 5 %
Balance = 1%
Around 400 - 500 Hv (25g)
Bright White
Deposition Speed
At 1 A/dm2 and optimum conditions deposition speed of 1 micron in 2 minutes 50 seconds is achieved.
3.
EQUIPMENT
Tanks should be constructed of PVC, Polypropylene , PTFE lined or similar inert material capable of
withstanding elevated temperatures.
For larger installations, Polypropylene or PTFE lined tanks are most suitable and we recommend the
following:
Rectifier with an Ampere meter and Volt meter producing a DC output with less than 5% ripple.
Ampere minute meter
Continuous filtration via a filter pump fitted with a 5 - 15 micron polypropylene cartridge
As solution is operated at elevated temperature and contains Free Cyanide , Fume Extraction is
strongly recommended for this process
4.
PROCESS CONTROL
pH
pH is a critical factor in process control and it is important to monitor and maintain the pH within the
recommended range in order to ensure consistent deposit properties in terms of alloy composition
brightness and appearance.
If it is necessary , raise the pH by using a 50% w/v solution of Potassium Hydroxide, take care to void
too high an increase.
Note : Only high grade material should be used ,if in doubt then Metalor Technologies are able to
supply material of suitable quality..
Being a cyanide based solution lowering of the pH is not recommended ; if the pH is high it should
monitored and allowed to fall within range over a period of time.
Free Cyanide
METWHITE 100 contains an additive to stabilise the cyanide decomposition , but it still is necessary to
monitor the concentration closely to ensure consistent results.
Again only the highest grade of Potassium Cyanide should be used to make necessary adjustment.
Free cyanide can easily be monitored by simple titration.
Wetting Agent
METWHITE 100 wetting agent can be used to lower the surface tension of the electrolyte, this is not
codeposited , but enables a reduction in porosity and ensures a fully bright appearance.
If a hazy deposit is achieved an addition of 1-2 ml/l METWHITE Wetting agent is recommended.
Maximum addition should not exceed 3 ml/l.
5.
REPLENISHER UNIT
A Balancer Unit (comprises of METWHITE 100 Balancer Part A & Part B) to replenish the Copper
,Tin Zinc and all other components at one dose is available.
500ml of METWHITE 100 Balancer Part A + 700ml of METWHITE 100 Balancer Part B is to be
replenished after every 1000 Ampere minute.
This Balancer Unit will maintain the key bath parameters ,but the bath should still be monitored by
analysis to ensure optimum performance ,as drag out will vary from installation to installation.
Further additions of Copper ,Tin and Zinc should be made individually based on analytical data.
6.
MAKE-UP PROCEDURE
Safety Note : Please ensure all safety precautions for handling Cyanide are taken during bath
preparation ,the final bath will contain around 50 g/l Free Cyanide.
ORDERING
Please refer to the following products and code numbers when ordering :
Product
Pack Size
Product Code
50L equivalent
P18920
5 units equivalent
P18940
1 litre
P18890
1 litre
P18900
1 litre
P18880
1 litre
P18910
1 litre
P19940
1 kg
P20010
Consist of :
Part A - Metwhite 100 Base Electrolyte (25L)
Part B - MetWhite 100 Copper Makeup Brt (21.2L)
For Replenishment
METWHITE100 Balancer
(for 5000 Ampmin Replenishment)
-Part A {2.5L}
-Part B {3.5L}
Technical information and data regarding the composition, properties, or use of the products described herein is believed to be reliable.
However, no representation or warranty is made with respect thereto except as made by Metalor Technologies in writing at the time of
sale. Metalor Technologies cannot assume responsibility for any patent liability which may arise from the use of any product in a process,
manner or formula not designed by Metalor Technologies.