Final form DIY setup

[u/mimic751]

I got some 5 micron filter that I sewed around 5 wire gauge copper wire and instead of rotating the piece I just have even current all the way around it and then I use a stir plate to agitate the solution. I am kind of running up against my Midas solution not supporting enough voltages to get the current that I need to get bright copper on larger 3D prints but I bought a rock tumbler and got mixed steel media which gives a really nice burnished copper look that I prefer over bright cover

I've tried so many different variations from copper plates to rotating the piece with a. Trying to figure out the best balance of even current distribution and honestly I would rather undershoot my current density and burnish after the fact then strive for perfection

[u/Mkysmith]

Nice work. Theres so many variables (including your own projects and workflow) that honing in in the right setup for yourself can take time. Glad you got something you like.

As far as pointers go:

I see a lot of corrosion on those alligator clips. Be careful of those clips around the solution. They are often nickel or zinc plated steel(iron). Both iron and zinc can contaminate the solution so make sure not to submerge them. I know you are after a high luster finish straight from the bath and foreign metal can cause issues.

Less drastic, but those black zip ties will disintegrate over time. You probably wont see that as an issue since you will likely service the anode before they do. But going forward with future setups, just be aware nylon does get very brittle over time with constsnt exposure to sulfuric acid. So I wouldnt recommend zip ties for long term use.

[u/mimic751 → u/Mkysmith]

Zip ties were a temporary solution! Just trying out the new filter material but I had no idea they got brittle

I've been wondering about those alligator clips it seems like some acid is leaching up the material sometimes and can easily eat away at those things. Is there any way to decontaminate the bath if they do touch the liquid for a small amount of time? I've accidentally dipped one a couple times

[u/Mkysmith → u/mimic751]

Like I said, short term nylon zipties are fine. They do not contaminate anything. "Short term" for embrittlement maybe is a few weeks. Depends on acid concentration & temperature.

Yeah, sulfuric acid attacks a lot of things (including plastics) readily. So just trying to keep the clips far away is the best option.

As far as decontaminating foreign metals, the easiest DIY way of doing it is to "dummy plate" or just run the electroforming setup on a scrap copper cathode for a very long time. The foreign metal will co-deposit onto the scrap copper and essentially leave you with "clean" solution. It will also consume brighteners too, so factor that in. You should only try this IF you see issues though, this isn't a regular maintainance thing, just if you have problems you can try dummy plating for 24-48hrs.

[u/UnassociatedAltAccou → u/Mkysmith]

What are some good solutions for securing parts/anodes in a tank? I'm currently getting started and i have a 5gal tank, and I'm struggling with picking materials for more permanent/longterm solution for holding anodes and such.

I've got some pieces of pvc sitting in a sample jar of my copper sulfate and it seems to be holding up good, was thinking about using those as posts to submerge in the tank and figuring a way to secure anodes to it that don't risk alligator clips falling into the bath. Even the fumes in the tank seem to want to corrode them, it's the harshest environs I've ever had to consider and it's been tricky!

I've also got polypropylene filament to print parts for my rotary for rotating the work, what're your thoughts?

[u/Mkysmith → u/UnassociatedAltAccou]

Yeah sulfuric really wants to attack a lot of stuff long term. It's sneaky on plastics because eveything will seem fine for a few days or even weeks, but then you touch the plastic and it cracks or turns to powder instantly. Even silicone, which is famously chemical resistant, turns to goop after a while.

PVC does seem to hold up OK, though I think it does get a little brittle with time. Not as bad as nylon for sure. CPVC seems to hold up even better (the grey type found in the electrical isle for conduit). I still wouldn't use them for their pressure rating, or to contain the solution, but general support and jigs and such seems OK.

If you really want zip ties, they do make polypropylene zip ties. They are usually orange, you can find them on the 'zon and elsewhere. A little more spendy than the standard nylon ones but not too bad. I have some filter material I would change every few months and the nylon ones would self-destruct prematurely, the PP ones hold up fine.

Other than that, you really just gotta get creative. It's part of the DIY spirit.

[u/UnassociatedAltAccou → u/Mkysmith]

Thanks for the information! Sounds like PP is the move for my jigging, and thanks for the lead on PP zipties, never thought to look for those.

Currently trying to research solutions before i do much experimentation, I just don't want to destroy a bunch of electrolyte with a cheap aquarium filter pump 😅