This is my first attempts at copper electroforming on 3d prints.
Not too bad.
More prep and smoothing for the next attempts!
Sorry about the picture quality.
That's pretty nifty.
I am guessing prints with Carbon fiber would negate the conductive paint and possibly make a smother coating.
I am getting an airbrush soon for the conductive paint, so hopefully that will make a difference.That's pretty nifty.
I am guessing prints with Carbon fiber would negate the conductive paint and possibly make a smother coating.
I'm gonna have to try it. Probably would've made my Dragon Prettier! LoL
Thanks. I would've never thought of it. I learned something new today, :D
Great job, would love to hear more about process, equipment, materials...
Great job, would love to hear more about process, equipment, materials...
Me too. Very cool!
Great job, would love to hear more about process, equipment, materials...
I looked it up. It doesn't look too bad. A bit pricey for a poor man like me but after I make my Lyman extruder I'm going to grab some supplies.
You can make your own solution or buy. What you need
Cheers
I looked it after reading the post as well. I've been looking into electroplating but this is far cheaper solution, for copper at least. Instructables has a pretty good write up: http://www.instructables.com/id/Electroforming-an-Iris-Seed-Pod/
Great job, would love to hear more about process, equipment, materials...
I got most of the equipment from gateros plating http://gaterosplating.co.uk . They have everything you would need to get started at a reasonable price.
I am in the UK, and it cost about £90 for the copper electroforming kit and power supply.
Just ordered a brush plating kit for chrome, so I will post up some pictures after I get it set up.
The copper kit is a good base for any other plating.
here we go again... 1 life is not enough...
I have now finished one piece with a chrome brush plate.
Sorry for the pic quality again.
cmon man, show mercy...
can you describe (briefly) each procedure and possible problems/difficulties?
which of these 2 processes is easier?
edit: i'm watching relevant videos at youtube so it's more clear to me now how they work. so dont get into trouble giving a long description, just a comment if you are happy with the specific kits and a general feedback...
edit2: to go through the chrome plating you should first do the copper process? or you can also use the conductive paint and skip copper?
edit3: i've an order of conductive filament on it's way... what are the chances? :p
Kits are from gateros plating in the UK.cmon man, show mercy...
can you describe (briefly) each procedure and possible problems/difficulties?
which of these 2 processes is easier?
edit: i’m watching relevant videos at youtube so it’s more clear to me now how they work. so dont get into trouble giving a long description, just a comment if you are happy with the specific kits and a general feedback…
Kits are quite easy to use, mostly everything needed.
Best to first copper tank electroform first to get a good base metal, then brush plate over the top of the copper.
You can get brush plating kits for chrome, brass, bronze, nickel, gold, silver etc.
Have a look on their site to see some projects, videos and all their kits etc… gaterosplating.co.uk
As far as I know, you can skip the copper electroforming, and just brush plate, but I don’t think the finish or plate thickness will be so good.
Great job, would love to hear more about process, equipment, materials...
I've provided this information to you before ;)
http://forum.zortrax.com/index.php?/topic/443-metal-plating/page-2
Process is straight forward "After spraying parts with the conductive paint, allow to dry and dip in Tinning Solution, then plate with our Acid Copper Plating Kit". You could use any plating kit for the desired metal look.
Only thing is the surface is not durable overtime and can be scratched so it's best to apply a clear coat on top
I've provided this information to you before ;)
Okay, so I'm old and forgetful...
Okay, so I'm old and forgetful...
I'm just pulling your chain Julia! lol
The chrome looks great too!
Are these kits done by dipping into electroplate solution buckets that say they are 10 litres? In other words could you chrome or copper plate larger objects about the size of the build volume from the Zortrax with this kit?
Are these kits done by dipping into electroplate solution buckets that say they are 10 litres? In other words could you chrome or copper plate larger objects about the size of the build volume from the Zortrax with this kit?
It is a 5 litre kit that I have, but I am sure you could double up the electrolyte, into a bigger bucket.
I'm not sure, but isn't the current needed proportional to the surface area of the object that you are plating? If so, large objects would need a power supply with a much large current capacity than smaller objects.
Mike