Tel : +60 14 928 7268

Brush Plating Process

The LDC Process

Brush plating is an Electrochemical Process specifically designed to be a portable and versatile method of electroplating, as well as anodizing or electropolishing on localized areas, and does not require immersing the part in large tanks of chemicals. The basics of brush plating were developed in France about 1938. Since then it has improved and developed its technology, while expanding its scope of applications.

How it works?

Brush Electroplating is quite simple in theory. A lightweight portable power pack is used to supply the direct current used in the process. This power pack will have two output leads, one (negatively charged) will be connected to the part requiring work, the other lead (positively charged), will be connected to the plating tool. The plating tool, consists of a handle and an electrode (anode) which is wrapped with a cover. The operator must then soak the plating tool with plating solution, either by dipping the anode into the solution or pumping the solution to the anode. The plating tool is then rubbed or “brushed” against the surface of the part being treated. With all the components in place, the electrical circuit is completed when the plating tool is touching the work surface, only then does the process actually begin. At this time, metal ions from the plating solution, will be deposited on the part and become bonded. To achieve a high quality finish, there must be a constant and uniform motion between the part and the plating tool, whenever they are in contact.

Portable - equipment can be moved to the jobsite.
Excellent adhesion to most commonly used base materials.
Minimize component disassembly - plate the part while still in place.
Capable of rapid metal deposition rates - about 50 times faster than bath electroplating.
Reduces the extensive masking and fixturing required, when compared to bath electroplating.
Permits plating of parts that are too large for normal plating baths.
Minimize equipment downtime – keep the part in house and plate it on your schedule.
Ability to add metal without thermal distortion of base material.
Minimize Hydrogen Embritllement.
Eliminates shipping costs- bring the plating to the part.
Precise deposit thickness control, thus reducing or eliminating the need for post plating machining.
Improves your company's financial bottom line - taking into account all the other advantages.
brush plating

THE COMPONENTS

Power Pack

The Brush Process offers the most compact, truly portable line of power packs. The Porta-Pack Plus 4 line has available outputs, ranging from 50 Amps to 500 Amps covering all your applications at any location

Plating Tool

To meet your particular application, Brush Plating offers a wide range of standard plating handles, anodes and anode covering materials. Anodes, which are normally made of high purity graphite, can be custom designed to fit any application

Plating Solutions

LDC manufactures a full line of specially formulated, water based electrolytes. A wide range of solutions are available, each producing a deposit with different characteristics. This includes deposits that can be hard, wear resistant, dense, low stress, low Hydrogen Embrittlement, as well as decorative. To complete our solution line, we offer products for cleaning, etching, activating, as well as anodizing and electropolishing.

LDC Process is Accepted

  • MIL-SID 865 D
  • MIL-SID 2197 (SH)
  • AMS 2451B/ 1-13
  • Accepted under numerous federal, military and commercial specifications, including:
    • Boeing
    • Caterpillar
    • General Electric
    • Pratt & Whitney
    • Allied Signal
    • United Technologies
    • McDonnell Douglas
Comparison

The Brush Plating Process versus other restoration processes

CRITERIA BRUSH PLATING WELDING METAL SPRAYING ELECTRO PLATING
Precise build-up capability Excellent Poor Poor Fair to good
Bond quality Excellent Excellent Fair to good Good
Thermal Distortion or internal stresses None Frequently Sometimes None
Cracking from heat None Frequently Sometimes None
Speed of deposit Fast Very fast Very fast Slow
Density of deposit Very dense Very dense but with blow holes 70% – 90% of theoretical density Dense
Portable Yes Yes Sometimes but overspray often precludes its use No
Need for post repair machining or grinding Not required on thickness up to 0.01″ on smooth surface Always required Mostly always required Usually required
Hydrogen Embrittlement No No No Yes
Brush Plating Process offers excellent bond strength and high density

Specific Applications of the LDC Process

  • Salvage mismachined new components
  • Improve electrical conductivity – bus bars, contacts and printed circuit boards
  • Rebuild electric motor journals and end bells (I.D.)
  • Restore damaged Cadmium on aircraft landing gears
  • Restore turbine shaft bearing areas to original dimensions
  • Repair fretting corrosion damage and protect from future damage
  • Rebuild bearing housings – wear and corrosion
  • Restore bearing I.D.'s and O.D.'s to correct dimension
  • Refurbish pump housings to prevent leaking
  • Repair hydraulic components with localized damage, in place
  • Repair printing cylinders with scores or pit damage
  • Resize railroad axle bearing surfaces and seal areas
  • Improve the brazing characteristics of turbine engine components
  • Reduce RF Interference
  • Repair and improve the performance of commutators and slip rings
  • Prevent corrosion
  • Anodizing
  • Electropolishing