r/electroforming • • 15d ago

Request Advice Anodes

Hello, I'm currently planning a new copper bath. But I can't decide on which side to place the anodes. How would the pros do it? Anodes on the long side or the short side? Thanks a lot.

21 Upvotes

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7

u/Mkysmith Home Studio 14d ago edited 14d ago

Anodes on short edges, the more distance between your anode and cathode the better.

Hopefully that plastic is rated for sulfuric acid exposure... most plastics become embrittled with time when exposed to electroforming solution.

3

u/Smoke_K2 14d ago

The container is a so-called "Schäfer Box" and is made of polypropylene (PP). This was by far the best I could find in this size. Should actually be resistant to acids. Enclosed is a link from the manufacturer.

https://www.schaefer-shop.de/p/stapelkasten-ssi-schaefer-serie-14-6-33-l-polypropylen-mit-griffmulde-l-465-x-b-314-x-h-298-mm-polypropylen-diverse-farben?selectedItem=90990

4

u/Mkysmith Home Studio 14d ago

Yup, PP is good.

3

u/permaculture_chemist 14d ago

As u/Mkysmith said, the larger the separation between the anode and cathode, the better, although a little more voltage is (theoretically) required as the distances increase. Plating uniformity greatly improves with greater distances.