Fischer Solutions for the Electroplating Industry

Controlling the chemical composition of the bath and layer thickness

The electroplating market and it's requirements

The main points within the electroplating industry can be divided into three sections: the purpose of electroplating for surface protection and durability, the importance of quality control in maintaining the appropriate layer thickness, and the necessity of complying with quality control standards for certification and traceability. Fischer has developed high-performance equipment and analytical capabilities to provide quality solutions for users in the electroplating market, emphasizing the need for precision and reliability.

Enhancing Durability through Electroplating
Ensuring Precise Layer Thickness in Electroplating
Meeting Stringent Standards for Certification and Traceability

Electroplating involves using chemical processes and electrolysis to deposit one metal onto the surface of another. This can serve to protect the underlying material or create a decorative effect. The main point here is that electroplating enhances the durability of parts or materials, providing them with better resistance to wear, corrosion, and other forms of damage.

If the layer thickness is below specification, the durability of the part may be compromised. On the other hand, if it exceeds the specified thickness, the part may not fit the intended application, and additional cost is incurred due to the deposition of excessive plating material. Maintaining precise layer thickness is essential to achieve optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.

These electroplating processes must meet specific quality control standards, such as ISO17025, IATF 16949, or IPC 4552A. Certification and traceability of measurements are crucial in ensuring compliance with these standards. By meeting these requirements, electroplating companies can assure their customers of the quality and reliability of their processes.

X-Ray Fluorescence

FISCHERSCOPE® XDL® Series

Tailor-made for layer analysis, the FISCHERSCOPE X-RAY XDL® is used for a wide range of different galvanised materials and measures the layer thickness on small and large parts. Because of its precision, accuracy and repeatability, it is easy to control plating processes by X-ray testing in conjunction with calibrated standards in compliance with the most demanding technical requirements in the automotive, aerospace and electro-electronic industries for example.

Applications

  • Determining the thickness of single or multiple layers, from nanometres to micrometres, in products with different geometries.
  • Electrolyte solution analysis – measuring the chemical concentration in g/l.
  • Complies with EN 61010, DIN ISO 3497 and ASTM B 568

Markets

  • Automotive, Cr / Ni / Base, ZnNi / Fe, Zn / Fe, Cr / Fe, Sn / Al,
  • Aerospace, ZnNi / Fe, Cd / Fe, Sn / Al and more
  • Electronic, Au / Ni / Cu / Base, Au / Pd / NiP / Base, Cu / PCB;
  • Petrochemical, Zn / Fe, ZnNi / Fe and more
  • Semi-jewellery, Au / Ni / Cu / Base, Ag / Base, Rh / Au / Base and more

Solution analysis using X-Ray fluorescence

Electroplating companies need to monitor and control the formulation of their electrolyte baths very closely. Controlling the composition of the bath can determine the quality of the layer applied to the target substrate material. For example, metal coatings of Zn, ZnNi, CuSn and others can be monitored both in their composition in the bath and the thickness of the layer applied onto the part.

A particular measuring cell makes it possible to analyse the plating bath and identify any metals in the solution immediately by examining the elements simultaneously in just a few seconds, eliminating the need for sample preparation and use of reagents, for example, in titration.

Solution analysis using X-Ray fluorescence

Certified Calibration

For reliable measurements, it is necessary to use calibration standards that meet the requirements of the quality management system.

FISCHER offers a wide range of certified standards according to the procedure accredited by DAkkS/ISO 17025.

The portfolio includes more than 300 calibration standards and covers many applications for different materials, be they layer thickness, element composition or analysis of materials.

MMS® inspection & FMP® series

The FMP Series of layer thickness gauges and probes allows for non-destructive and highly accurate measurements of electroplated coatings. Whether for quality control in a manufacturing process, the inspection of random samples, or complete batches, these portable, easy-to-use instruments will meet your needs.

With more than 70 different types of probes, even the most difficult jobs, most challenging on rough surfaces, holes and pipes, concave or convex surfaces and many other challenges, can be done with one of the unique probes. For routine work, MMS Inspection is an excellent cost-effective solution and extremely robust equipment with IP65 protection.
Applications:

  • The non-destructive determination of single, direct layer thickness.
  • Accurate measuring of layers on rough or sandblasted substrates using the V7FKB4 probe
  • Measuring layer thickness in hard-to-reach places with the FGA-BI1.3-150 rod probe
  • Measuring layer thickness in small spots using the FGAB1.3 probe

Contact us now for more information

Whether you know what type of machine you require or have questions surrounding our product range, we are always happy to assist.

Get in touch and we will help you find the Fischer Instrument that best suits your needs. Our team has many years of experience and is always happy to answer your questions.

01386 577370

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