Alkaline Copper Plating Solution – Ideal for Acid-Sensitive Metals
The alkaline (basic) copper plating solution is versatile and suitable for both bath plating and pen plating/tampon plating. It contains no cyanides and allows for copper plating of acid-sensitive metals such as iron and zinc.
Your Benefits:
- Excellent leveling and good coverage
- Intense, visually appealing color
- Perfect as an intermediate layer before final coating with acidic copper plating solution or other coatings
- Ideal for metals like lead, bronze, iron, copper, brass, zinc, tin, and steel
An additional layer of bright copper plating solution can enhance the color and give your workpieces a shiny finish.
Application Areas:
The alkaline copper plating solution is specially designed to prepare acid-sensitive metals for final copper plating. Iron-based materials benefit from improved adhesion, as the solution does not plate iron without current, ensuring a solid layer.
Suitable Materials:
- Suitable for: Lead, bronze, iron, copper, brass, zinc, tin, steel, and zinc die-casting
- Not suitable for: Aluminum, chrome, and titanium (aluminum requires pre-treatment with an aluminum activator)
- Test other metals for compatibility before plating
Application Instructions:
The solution works at room temperature but can be heated up to 60°C. The ideal temperature range is between 25°C and 50°C. Thoroughly clean the workpieces to remove grease, oil, dirt, and rust. Use disposable gloves to avoid transferring skin oils to the surface.
Technical Parameters (please test, values may vary):
-
Bath plating: 1-2.5V (approx. 1.5V recommended at 10 cm distance)
-
Pen plating: 2.5-6V (approx. 4-5V recommended)
-
Current density: 0.2-1.5A/dm² (up to 3A/dm² with bath movement)
-
Working temperature: 20-60°C
-
Deposition rate: approx. 0.4 µm/min at 1A/dm² and 20°C
-
pH value: 8-9
-
Anodes: Copper (alternatively nickel, tin, graphite)
Â
Â
Identification of the mixture:
Copper plating solution alkaline
(contains 1-Hydroxyethylidenediphosphonic acid, potassium hydroxide, copper sulphate)
  
  
Signal word: Danger
Â
H290 May be corrosive to metals.
H302 Harmful if swallowed.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Â
P102 Keep out of reach of children.
P103 Read carefully and follow all instructions.
P260 Do not breathe dust/vapours/spray.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P301+P330+P331 IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor.
P501 Dispose of contents/container according to regional/national regulations. Do not discard with household waste.
