GB603915A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for use in electroplating metal wire, strip, sheeting, or sections - Google Patents

Abstract

603,915. Electroplating apparatus. MARINO, P. G. Q. Nov. 5, 1945, No. 29381. [Class 41] Metal wire, strip, sheeting or section to be plated by passage through a bath, the inner walls of which are similar in section to the work and constitute insoluble anodes, cathodic connection to the work being made within the bath by conductors insulated, except at the point of contact. Feed rollers may be disposed at or near the ends of the bath or intermediately. Liquid seals are provided at the entrance and exit points for the wire &c. Fig. 6 shows a cell for plating I-section material 51, the outer casing 11 being of iron or insulating material and the anodic lining 14 of lead. Apertures 22 in a partition 18 permit passage of electrolyte and gas to an upper chamber. Each cathode conductor comprises a copper rod 30, Fig. 2, having an adjustable collar 34 whereby it is supported in a porcelain cover 28 mounted in vertical grooves 31 in the cell lining, the cover 28 having a V-groove in the bottom to guide the work. The cover 28 is mounted in a parallel-link mechanism from a pillar on the outside of the bath to permit gravitational adjustment to irregularities in the work, and is provided with a flexible liquid-tight seal 44. The work is supported and guided intermediate the conductors by grooves 46 in porcelain members 27 mounted in vertical grooves in the lining. These members are removed and replaced through orifices in the top of the outer casing, closed by rubberlined steel covers. The rod 30 is oscillated about its axis, so as to prevent a groove being worn at the bottom, by a link 55 engaging a pin 56 on the collar 34 and reciprocated by the wire 53 connected through a crank to a rotating member. The lining material for the bath may be of lead, lead-antimony alloy, or leadsilver alloy for use with an electrolyte containing sulphuric or phosphoric acid, and of nickel or iron when an alkaline electrolyte is used. When strip metal of flat rectangular section, or flat sheeting in continuous form are to be plated, the top and bottom only of the bath may form the anodes. According to the Provisional Specification, alternate cathode connectors may be disposed above and below the work so as to constitute guides.