GB730238A - Method of and apparatus for electroplating - Google Patents

Abstract

730,238. Method of and apparatus for electroplating. CLEVITE, Ltd. Feb. 18, 1953 [Oct. 17, 1952; Jan. 5, 1953], No. 4563/53. Class 41. A method of electroplating layers of metal of uniform thickness upon the concave circumferential surface and the outer radial surfaces of a semi-cylindrical article having outwardly projecting flanges at its ends, comprises placing the article with its longitudinal edges against an insulating member having a slot which is of greater length than the article and extends parallel to and midway between its longitudinal edges, disposing insulating barrier members to separate a plating current flowing through one part of the slot to the concave surface of the article from currents flowing through other parts of the slot to the outer radial surfaces of the article, enclosing the article so that its remaining surfaces are insulated, immersing the article and insulating members is a plating bath and passing a current from an anode through the slot to the article as cathode. A bearing 14 (Fig. 3) is placed with its longitudinal edges 15 in contact with an insulating member 17 having a longitudinal slot 18, and two insulating barrier members 20 are placed so that the inner face of each barrier is in line with the outer flange face of the bearing. Another insulating member 37 is placed against the extreme outer edges of the flanges. Current is introduced by a metal conductor 23 and thence to the bearing by clips 24. A number of bearings may be treated at once in a rack (Fig. 4) comprising the member 17, having a flat front portion 26 with the slot 18 extending along the face thereof and having lips 27, a top 33 and a bottom 30, and barrier members 20. The bearings 14 are placed between the barriers 20 with the longitudinal edges 15 against the portion 26. A flexible cover (the insulating member 37) fits over the back of the rack and contacts the outer edges 16 of the flanges. A metallic conductor 23 is fastened to the cover 37, contacts a metal plate 42, and is insulated by a non-conductor 45. The rack is lowered into a plating bath by a hook 35 through which electrical contact is made. Suitable relative dimensions of the bearing, the barriers, and the distances between various parts are given. Specifications 627,294 and 645,183 are referred to.