Using a gold plating machine, particularly a pen plating machine, involves preparing the item, setting up the equipment, and applying the gold plating solution carefully to the desired area.
Gold plating machines come in various types, but a common method for small or detailed work is pen plating. This technique allows for precise application of gold onto specific surfaces.
Pen Plating Process Explained
The pen plating method utilizes a special applicator pen connected to a power source and a container holding the plating solution.
Here's a breakdown of the typical steps involved:
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Preparation:
- Ensure the item to be plated is clean and free from grease, dirt, or oxides. Proper cleaning is crucial for successful plating adhesion.
- Mask off any areas you do not want to be plated.
- Connect the plating pen to the positive terminal of the power supply.
- Connect the item to be plated (or a jig holding it) to the negative terminal. This creates the necessary electrical circuit.
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Setting Up the Solution:
- The plating pen has a tip that absorbs the gold plating solution. The reference notes that the pen plating solution is often transparent and may look like water inside the container.
- Dip the pen tip into the gold plating solution, allowing it to become saturated.
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Applying the Gold:
- Turn on the power supply to the recommended voltage for your specific solution and item.
- Gently touch or brush the saturated pen tip onto the surface you want to plate.
- Move the pen steadily over the area. The electrical current causes the gold ions in the solution to deposit onto the item's surface.
- You may need to redip the pen tip into the solution as it dries out during the process.
- For holding small items steady during this process, tools like reverse action tweezers can be very helpful, as mentioned in the reference.
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Finishing:
- Once the desired thickness of gold is applied, turn off the power supply.
- Rinse the plated item thoroughly with water to remove any residual plating solution.
- Dry the item carefully.
Key Considerations for Pen Plating
- Voltage Control: The power supply allows you to control the voltage, which affects the speed and quality of deposition. Follow the solution manufacturer's recommendations.
- Tip Selection: Different pen tips are available for various applications and surface types.
- Solution Maintenance: Store plating solutions properly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Using reverse action tweezers helps secure the item firmly without constant pressure, allowing you to focus on the plating application with the pen. The transparency of the plating solution means you'll rely on the process itself and monitoring the gold deposition rather than the solution's appearance to gauge usage.
