Numerical 3D BEM Simulation Of The
Chromium Layer Thickness Distribution On
Parts In A Rack Plating Configuration
Author(s)
J. Deconinck, G. Floridor, B. Van den Bossche, L. Bortels
& G. Nelissen
Abstract
A three dimensional Boundary Element Method (BEM) approach is used to
compute the current density and plated layer thickness distribution on parts of
complex shape in a rack plating configuration. Results are shown for a
decorative chromium plating process. Simulations take into account electrode
polarisation characteristics and the plating efficiency. The entire plating tank
configuration is considered, including dimensions and position of anode baskets
or rods, the number of parts on the rack, and the position of the rack in the tank.
For decorative chromium plating, simulated results reveal that parts located at
the outer positions of the rack receive a current that might double the value
received by a central part, hence also the average plated thickness from one part
to another might differ by a factor 2. The variation of the plated thickness on a
single part is up to a factor 5 or more, with some of the inner zones receiving no
layer thickness at all. These results are in agreement with industrial experience.
The BEM solver is integrated in the SolidWorks CAD environment, enabling a
fast modification of the dimensions of the entire configuration (rack
configuration, current thieves, etc.), the surface mesh characteristics
(determining the computational accuracy), and the physico-chemical input
parameters (polarisation and efficiency characteristics, electrolyte conductivity,
imposed DC or bipolar currents, etc.).
Keywords: electrodeposition, plating, advanced software packages, BEM.
Keywords
electrodeposition, plating, advanced software packages, BEM.
Related Book
Other papers in this volume
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