Electroforming Of Waveguide Components

Electroforming Of Waveguide Components

Write a short note on the electroformed copper die.
Answer:

Electrodeposition of copper on the impressions gives a hard metallic surface to the cast/dies.

Advantages of Electroformed Dies:

• Dimensional accuracy
• Hard and abrasion-resistant
• Imparts a smooth surface to the wax pattern in contact
• Not very expensive
• Better marginal definition
• Does not absorb oil/water
• Prevents cuspal wear due to repeated contact with the opposing cast.

Disadvantages of Electroformed Dies:

• Difficult to trim
• Silver bath—a health hazard
• Not compatible with all impression materials
• Color contrast is not as good as dying stone
• Adaptation of wax is not as good as to the die stone, patterns tend to lift from margins.

Electroforming:

Copper electroplating is used only with rigid compound impressions. The impression is coated with copper or graphite which acts as a cathode. Anode is formed by pure copper metal.

Here, the electrolyte consists of an acidic solution of copper sulfate along with organic constituents to increase the hardness of the deposited metal. As elastomeric impression materials are not stable in an acidic solution, their copper plating cannot be done.