Articles
Validation of New Generation Tooling Concept for Electroplating of Copper on Printed Circuit Boards
A dynamically software controlled electroplating tooling concept has been developed to compensate the pattern dependence of the deposited layer thickness on different substrates. In this paper a validation of this new tooling concept on industry relevant printed circuit boards is presented. Simulations are compared with experimental results as obtained in a prototype electroplating cell. A quantitative improvement of the plating thickness uniformity between a standard electroplating cell and the advanced tooling approach is given. The influence of the conductivity of the electrolyte on the deposit distribution is studied and indicates a way to obtain a significant improvement in uniformity.
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Tanks and Liners: Is Conventional Wisdom or Reliance on Internet-Based Answers Putting your Company at Risk?
Finishing companies face an array of unprecedented challenges. Decision-making is affected by these pressures. Conventional wisdom and/or the reliance on internet-based answers can lead to procurements that create unnecessary downtime, safety risks and loss. Factors compounding the pain of inadequate options and poor choices are aging plants and equipment, a shrinking manufacturing workforce and legal/policy/regulatory costs. Topics covered in this article include: (1) an overview of tanks and liners, (2) the true costs of downtime, (3) results from a recent tank and liner market survey, (4) the plastic paradox (including fires), (5) spark testing and leak monitoring technologies, (6) drop-ins, (7) what to look for from a supplier and (8) new advancements.
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Electroplating: An Alternative for Producing Low Magnetic Loss Amorphous Alloys
In recent years, Hydro-Québec’s Research Institute has developed, through technological innovation, a program to improve energy efficiency in the generation, transmission and distribution of energy.
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Functional Trivalent Chromium Electroplating
This paper will discuss recent research work on the development of a functional trivalent chromium plating process from a single, simple-to-control trivalent-based electrolyte to replace hexavalent chromium plating. Hexavalent chromium plating has been used for many years to provide hard, durable coatings with excellent wear and corrosion resistance properties. However, hexavalent chromium baths have come under increasing scrutiny due to the toxic nature of the bath, effects on the environment and worker health. In this work, we are updating accomplishments to achieve properties comparable to existing hexavalent chromium plating for functional applications. Work on achieving desirable thickness, uniformity, adhesion, porosity and corrosion resistance, as well as other material properties, will be discussed.
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New Uses For Anodized Aluminum Oxide
Anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) has attracted significant interest among the nano-science and engineering research community in recent years. AAO consists of highly aligned nanopores “self-assembled” in a hexagonally close-packed pattern.
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Becoming an Approved Aerospace Anodize Supplier
Fabrication of aerospace structure requires rigorous standards due to the high cost of rework and the severe consequences of in-flight failure. To become a supplier for aerospace anodize, an approval process which is not readily understood must be followed.
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Better Peening Shouldn’t Be a Shot in the Dark
Almost any pilot will tell you that when it comes to airplane parts like wings or engine blades, failure is unacceptable. That’s why more aerospace companies have sought to reduce the possibility of metal fatigue in such critical parts, and why some manufacturers of those pieces use a technique called shot peening.
Read MoreAnodizing: How to Avoid “Greenwashing” Your Product
Product manufacturers naturally want to say good things about their product. Current marketing trends emphasize environmentally beneficial attributes of a product, not just to identify the manufacturer as a good corporate citizen, but also as an inducement for the consumer to purchase the product.
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Designing for Opportunity: The Aluminum Advantage
Many industries that require innovative solutions in cost reduction and weight savings are turning to aluminum as a substitute for stainless steel and other carbon steel alloys for parts and components.
Read MoreBecoming an Aerospace Anodizing Supplier
Fabrication of aerospace structure requires rigorous standards due to the high cost of rework and the severe consequences of in-flight failure. To become a supplier for aerospace anodize, an approval process which is not readily understood must be followed.
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The Real Cost of Downtime
Making the right color-change decision in powder coating operations.
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Improving Aerospace Engines with Advanced Materials
Advanced ceramics and high performance superalloys are playing an important role in improving aerospace engines as aerospace manufacturers look for high-temperature materials that increase performance, improve fuel efficiency and satisfy safety standards, while at the same time lowering manufacturing costs.
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