Next, let's discuss how to identify the cause of problems and resolve them when using copper pyrophosphate brighteners for plating, such as poor brightness or a dull finish in the plating layer.
If the brightness is poor or the coating appears dull, the following are some possible causes:
① The medium current density zone appears whitish and hazy: If copper pyrophosphate brightener is being used, the brightener may be insufficient; add an appropriate amount and retest. If the condition returns to normal after adding more, the issue was insufficient brightener; if there is no significant improvement after adding more brightener, the bath may be contaminated with cyanide ions, and the cyanide ions should be treated. After treatment with hydrogen peroxide and activated carbon, brightener may be lost; therefore, the brightener level should be retested and adjusted.
② Poor brightness in low current density zones: Possible causes include an excessively low P ratio, in which case potassium pyrophosphate should be added in appropriate amounts; a pH that is too low or too high, in which case the pH should be adjusted promptly; insufficient ammonium citrate, in which case it should be replenished and the process retested; or excessive orthophosphate, in which case the solution should be diluted and other materials added before retesting.
③ Poor coating brightness: In a standard plating bath without a brightener, the coating appears semi-bright and rose-red; When brighteners are added, the degree of brightness improves depending on the brightener's properties. For example, adding Bigely Cu-203 brightener yields a bright, smooth copper deposit. If the deposit fails to achieve even a semi-bright finish during plating, there is definitely an issue with the bath composition—such as the use of a low-quality brightener—and adjustments must be made.
About us
Guangdong Bigely Technology Co., Ltd. ,founded in 2003, is a high-tech enterprise integrating R & D，production, sales and service, specializing in the production of electroplating chemicals. As a fast growing electroplating chemicals supplier in China, Bigely has over 20 years' experience in electroplating additives production and own production base of 5000 square meters. We can produce 15,000 tons of electroplating additives every year, which can fully meet the needs of customers.
If you need our high-quality electroplating additives, please contact us. We can provide you samples for test, and also provide a series of services.
