Anodes

ANODES

Electroplating is a process that uses electrical current to reduce a metal anode and apply it to a metallic or conductive surface. This process is called electrodeposition. The part to be plated is called the cathode and is negatively charged. The anode is of the same metal that is to be plated onto the part. The anode is connected to the positive current which enables the electrochemical process to deposit the ions of the metal to the cathode.

Jane Kits supply different types of anodes for use with our Nickel, Zinc, Ultra Strike, Copper and Electroforming Copper plating kits and chemicals. All of these anodes are drilled ready for hanging in your plating bath.

We also supply a stainless steel anode for Gold Plating. This is simply a conductor.

Jane Kits have various anodes/conductors for Nickel, Zinc, Ultra Strike, Copper, Electroforming Copper and Gold Plating available:

Zinc anodes, small – (pair)

Zinc anodes, large – (each)

Nickel anodes, r rounds – (bag of 10)

Nickel Anode Baskets - (pair)

Copper anodes – (pair)

Stainless Steel conductor – (each)

Although these are stock sizes, we will be happy to provide any other size you may require. If you wish to purchase a larger size than the stock sizes listed, please email your request to sales@janekits.com.au

NOTE: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ANODES IN THE BATH ON THE COMPLETION OF PLATING. THIS WILL RUIN YOUR ELECTROLYTE QUICKLY. THIS IS A COMMON ERROR.

This warning applies to all plating procedures. Remove the anodes from the bath whenever there is a break in plating or as soon as the current is turned off.

NICKEL ANODES

The nickel anodes used in the Jane Kits nickel bath are known as nickel R rounds. These rounds are pellets of first grade nickel supplied to be located inside a nickel anode basket, which is positioned inside the nickel bath. The anodes should be kept clean by washing and scrubbing them periodically.

For a 4 litre Nickel Kit, you will have 10 individual anodes, for a 10 litre Nickel Kit you will have 20 individual anodes, larger Kits will have more. Nickle Anode baskets, made from special grade stainless steel expander mesh, are required to locate the Nickel Anodes into the Nickel or Cobalt Nickel bath. These baskets are included in the Nickel and Cobalt Nickel Kits, however, if you are purchasing the Nickel Anodes individually, you will need to also purchase the Nickel Anode Baskets and stainless wire separately. (these can be found on our website in the Plating Supplies category).

The basket mesh is in the shape of a V and the nickel anodes are positioned along the inside of the V. Generally, 5 individual Nickel anodes are placed evenly along each anode basket. These should all be placed facing the same way and positioned down tight into the V shape of the mesh. Once all the anodes are positioned inside of the V, close the two top edges of the baskets together using one end of a piece of our stainless wire. Pull the two top edges of the baskets tightly together, creating an envelope that wraps itself around the anodes. Tie together using the stainless wire, either by threading one end through both sides and twisting it back on itself or by creating a loop at the end of the wire that is fed through to hold the edges of the basket together tightly. Use them all and hang them either side of your plating.

The anodes and baskets should be kept clean. Nickel anodes get a film of smut on them during plating. This film is normal; clean them between plating jobs and at the commencement of a day’s plating.

ZINC ANODES

The Zinc anodes hanging in the plating bath are the source of the zinc metal that will be plated on to your work hanging in the plating electrolyte. The minute ions of zinc metal are transferred on to the work in the bath by the system of electrolysis. The anodes supplied are cast by Jane Kits and are circular slabs of 99% pure zinc. The anodes are approximately 75 mm in diameter x 8 mm thick (for 4 litre kits) and are drilled to facilitate hanging in the bath on stainless wire. Two anodes are supplied for the 4 Litre Kit and 4 anodes are supplied for a 10 litre kit. For larger kits, the anodes are larger and the number supplied depends on the size of the bath. The zinc anodes are soluble to the zinc electrolyte and must not be left in an idle bath when there is no plating taking place.

All of the Zinc anodes supplied should be used. Position them either side of your parts to be plated in the plating bath. The anodes should be kept clean. Zinc anodes get a film of smut on them during plating. This film is normal; clean them between plating jobs and at the commencement of a days plating.

COPPER ANODES

Copper anodes are supplied to be used in the Acid Copper, Electroforming Copper and Ultra Strike plating bath. The anodes are high grade flat bar type anodes and are drilled so as they can be hung on stainless wire in the bath. The Copper anodes hanging in the plating bath are the source of the copper metal that will be plated on to your work hanging in the plating electrolyte. The minute ions of copper metal are transferred on to the work in the bath by the system of electrolysis. The anodes are approx. 100 mm. x 40 mm.

For the 4 litre Copper, Electroforming Copper and Ultra Strike Kits, 2 anodes are supplied, 4 anodes are supplied for a 10 litre Kit. Use them all and hang them either side of your plating. For larger Kits, the number of anodes supplied depends on the size of the bath. The copper anodes are soluble to the copper electrolyte and must not be left in an idle bath when there is no plating taking place.

Attention must be paid to the cleanliness of copper anodes as they take on a film of salmony or black smut during the plating process. This film is normal; clean them between plating and at the commencement of a day’s plating.

STAINLESS STEEL ANODE

For many types of electroplating, the anode is made of the same metal being deposited on the target object. For Jane Kits Gold Plating, the anode used is stainless steel, this is simply a conductor. The anode should be kept clean by washing and scrubbing clean periodically.

CLEANING & PREPARATION

With all Jane Kits products, the key to successful plating is in the preparation of the items to be plated. Parts must be chemically clean. In order to ensure that you get pleasing and consistent results, Jane Kits sell very efficient Cleaner Kits (see Cleaners). Thorough cleaning is essential in the preparation of parts prior to electroplating. This is important with anything that enters the plating bath including the anodes. Cleaning them regularly will ensure your plating chemical will remain uncontaminated.

NOTE: Care should be taken by the bath operator no matter what type of bath is being used. Avoid allowing plating chemical to remain on your skin for long periods. Safety glasses should also be worn. A well-ventilated room is necessary and avoid inhaling fumes that are present during the plating or mixing processes. A suitable respirator is recommended.