Abstract: A roll-to-roll electroless plating system including a reservoir containing a plating solution. A web advance system advances a web of substrate though the plating solution in the reservoir along a web advance direction, wherein a plating substance in the plating solution is plated onto predetermined locations on a surface of the web of substrate. A pump circulates plating solution from an output of the reservoir to an inlet of the reservoir located below the web of substrate. A spreader duct includes a channel that is in fluidic communication with the inlet of the reservoir, wherein the channel is positioned below the web of substrate and includes at least one outlet disposed beyond the first edge or the second edge of the web of substrate and has no outlets disposed immediately below the web of substrate.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll electroless plating system including a reservoir containing a plating solution. A web advance system advances a web of substrate though the plating solution in the reservoir along a web advance direction, wherein a plating substance in the plating solution is plated onto predetermined locations on a surface of the web of substrate. A pump circulates plating solution from an output of the reservoir to an inlet of the reservoir located below the web of substrate. A spreader duct includes a channel that is in fluidic communication with the inlet of the reservoir, wherein the channel is positioned below the web of substrate and includes at least one outlet disposed beyond the first edge or the second edge of the web of substrate and has no outlets disposed immediately below the web of substrate.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll electroless plating system including a sump and a pan containing a plating solution. A web advance system advances a web of substrate though the plating solution in the pan along a web advance direction, wherein a plating substance in the plating solution is plated onto predetermined locations on a surface of the web of substrate. A pan-replenishing pump moves plating solution from the sump to an inlet of the pan through a pipe connected to an outlet of the pan-replenishing pump, the inlet of the pan being located below the web of substrate. A spreader duct includes a channel that is in fluidic communication with the inlet of the pan, wherein the channel is positioned below the web of substrate and includes at least one outlet disposed beyond the first edge or the second edge of the web of substrate.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll electroless plating system includes a web advance system for advancing a web of media through a tank containing plating solution where a plating substance in the plating solution is plated onto predetermined locations on the web of media. The web advance system includes a web-guiding roller that is at least partially submerged within the plating solution in the tank. A roller mount is provided for supporting the web-guiding roller while allowing free rotation of the web-guiding roller. A pump is configured to cause plating solution to flow between a bearing surface on the web-guiding roller and a bearing surface on the roller mount.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll electroless plating system including a sump and a pan containing a plating solution. A web advance system advances a web of substrate though the plating solution in the pan along a web advance direction, wherein a plating substance in the plating solution is plated onto predetermined locations on a surface of the web of substrate. A pan-replenishing pump moves plating solution from the sump to an inlet of the pan through a pipe connected to an outlet of the pan-replenishing pump, the inlet of the pan being located below the web of substrate. A spreader duct includes a channel that is in fluidic communication with the inlet of the pan, wherein the channel is positioned below the web of substrate and includes at least one outlet disposed beyond the first edge or the second edge of the web of substrate.

Abstract: A method of electrolessly plating a web of media, including advancing the web of media from an input roll through a pan of plating solution to a take-up roll, wherein a plating substance in the plating solution is plated onto predetermined locations on a surface of the web of media. The plating solution is circulated from a sump to the pan and back to the sump through enclosed pipes, such that plating solution in the enclosed pipes is not exposed to air. An amount of dissolved oxygen in the plating solution is measured, and an inert gas is injected into the plating solution at a rate that is controlled according to the measured amount of dissolved oxygen.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll electroless plating system including a sump containing a first volume of a plating solution, and a pan containing a second volume of the plating solution, the second volume being less than the first volume. A web advance system advances a web of media though the plating solution in the pan, wherein a plating substance in the plating solution is plated onto predetermined locations on a surface of the web of media. A pan-replenishing pump moves plating solution from the sump to the pan through a pipe. A distribution system injects an inert gas into the plating solution to reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll electroless plating system including a reservoir containing plating solution. A web advance system advances a web of media though the plating solution in the reservoir, wherein a plating substance in the plating solution is plated onto predetermined locations on a surface of the web of media. A distribution system injects an inert gas into the plating solution to reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen. The distribution system includes an injector having a converging tube segment, a diverging tube segment downstream of the converging tube segment, a throat formed at a junction of the converging tube segment and the diverging tube segment, and an inlet for the inert gas in proximity to the throat.