Abstract: Radial cell electroplating device, especially suitable for high current density electrodeposition of metals and metal alloys, wherein the arrangement for feeding the electrolyte to the cell and for discharging it therefrom permits instantaneous regulation of electrolyte flow direction and velocity parameters simply by adjusting valves, so as to adapt those parameters to the movement conditions of the strip to be plated, at the current density used and the prevailing electrolyte aeration conditions, so as to optimize the quality of the product obtained.

Abstract: In a travelling wire EDM apparatus for effecting a cut by electrical discharges on a workpiece blank by an electrode wire, the workpiece blank is supported by two support members mounted on a rotary table, one support member being disposed in the interior of the perimeter of the cutting path and the other support member being disposed exteriorly to the perimeter of the cutting path such as to support the two portions of the workpiece blank severed from each other during the cutting operation. A partial cut is first effected through the workpiece blank and the workpiece blank is subsequently angularly oriented to a different position by rotating the rotary table such that collision between any one of the electrode wire support arms and the workpiece blank support member disposed within the perimeter of the cutting path is prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous electrodeposition of metals at high current density in vertical cells, wherein the body to be plated, usually metal strip, follows first a descending path and then an ascending one, during both of which it traverses at least one electrolytic deposition cell through which is passed an electrolyte in turbulent flow regime, moving in the opposite direction in the descending stretch to that in the ascending stretch, so that in both stretches the fluid dynamic conditions are very uniform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for forming a substantially uniform electrodeposit on a metal or metal alloy foil. The apparatus includes a frame assembly for substantially preventing bowing and/or flapping of the metal or metal alloy foil and for promoting substantially uniform electrodeposits by maintaining the gap between the foil and each treatment anode substantially constant. The process and apparatus have particular utility in the treatment of delicate copper foil for use in electronic and electrical applications.

Abstract: A wire cutting type electrical discharge machining system in which a work pan can be made smaller in size than that in prior art by virtue of changing its structure. The device has (a) a work pan for supporting a workpiece therein including a side wall which has an elongate aperture extending horizontally and having guide grooves along upper and lower sides of the elongate aperture, (b) a lower arm extending laterally through the elongate aperture inwardly into the work pan as far as below the workpiece, (c) a closure strip disposed along the elongate aperture for closing it substantially fluid-tightly by being guided in the guide grooves, top and bottom, and provided with a hole in a longitudinally central position thereof for allowing the lower arm to slidably extend therethrough, and (d) annular sealing means disposed in the closure strip for allowing the lower arm to move fluid-tightly in the longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: An EDM electrode wire changer has a plurality of conduits, one for each available electrode wire, all conduits converging towards the threading axis of a selected electrode wire through the workpiece or, alternatively, disposed substantially parallel on a slide that is indexable such as to dispose the outlet of a selected one of the conduits in alignment with the threading axis. A common motor-driven threading roller is disposed proximate the inlet of the conduits in a stationary position relative to the conduits, and a pinch roller for each wire co-operates with the threading roller for feeding the selected one of the wires through its corresponding conduit by forcing the selected wire against the peripheral surface of the common threading roller, while the other pinch rollers are remaining in a position away from the threading roller.

Abstract: A plant comprising vertical cells for continuous electrodeposition of metals at high current density, in which the basic treatment unit consists of two vertical electrolytic cells connecting an upper chamber and a lower chamber for electrolyte collection and storage. The body to be plated, usually steel strip, passes from the upper chamber, through one of the cells, to the lower chamber when it returns, through the other of the cells, to the upper chamber. The electrolyte is forced to pass within these cells in a highly turbulent flow regime, by just one pumping unit.

Abstract: A stream confinement apparatus which contains an EDM cooling stream in the work zone region includes a grooved element which is releasably clamped to the workpiece. The groove and workpiece form a fluid conduit which confines the stream of coolant to the work zone engulfing the EDM electrode minimizing electrode failure due to electrode overheating.

Abstract: A wire guide consisting of a V-groove-type guide, a device for supplying machining liquid, and a die-type wire guide removably attached at the lower surface of the V-groove-type guide causes increased machining accuracy while used in both non-taper machining and taper machining modes. The increased accuracy is achieved after the wire passes through the V-groove-type guide by using the die-type wire guide to return the wire to a straight path to improve the linearity of the wire and, accordingly, improve machining accuracy.

Abstract: A scavenging chamber surrounds the electrode and is brought up to the erosion zone in the workpiece. A slide ring is fixed to the casing of the scavenging chamber and seals the latter with respect to the workpiece surface. The scavenging chamber is provided with a structure for adapting at least the casing portion carrying the slide ring to the slide ring orientation defined by the workpiece surface. Preferably the scavenging chamber is provided with controllable elements for defining the shape of the scavenging chamber casing, which elements can be in particular constructed as flexible annular diaphragms.

Abstract: Thin-layered conductive or semi-conductive electric circuits are made on a thin conductive or semi-conductive layer that was previously deposited on an electric insulating substrate. The electric circuits are produced by attacking with an electro-erosion tool the thin layer so as to form insulated paths thereon.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the electrodeposition of metals, especially zinc, on to metal strip, particularly steel strip, from an aqueous solution of the metal salts, using high relative flow velocities between electrolyte and strip and electrolyte and anodes, the metal strip being introduced vertically into the electrolyte, turned around and led vertically out of the electrolyte. A process of this nature should enable high current densities to be employed, including in vertical cells in which the metal strip, in particular steel strip, is passed vertically through the electrolyte, and permit even relative flows between the metal strip and the electrolyte, thus producing even deposition conditions for the parts of the metal strip entering and leaving the cell. The invention proposes that the electrolyte is forced to flow against the direction of strip travel throughout the section between the anodes and the metal strip.

Abstract: An electrolytic processing device has an electrolytic tank which comprises separably coupled upper and lower units. The upper and lower units can be coupled to each other to form a single electrolytic tank when electrolytic processing is to be performed. On the other hand, the upper and lower units can be replaced with other units independently. This allows the electrolytic solution in the lower unit to be changed simply by replacing the lower unit with another unit with a different electrolytic solution, without the need for draining and washing the lower unit used previously.

Abstract: A wire-cut EDM method and apparatus in which an electrode wire traveling between a pair of wire-positioning guide members is laterally advanced, generally tangentially along a workpiece contour disposed therebetween to electro-erosively cut a precision contour in the workpiece contour with a depth of cut at most equal to the diameter of the wire. The fluctuating machining pressure, induced by the gap erosive electrical discharges and fluid injection, tends to undulate the traveling wire in the open space flanking the contour being cut and to misalign the axial position thereof away from a prescribed path of advance in the cutting zone.

Abstract: To regulate the flushing liquid medium in the cutting zone of a TW electroerosion apparatus an elongate element is introduced into the cutting slot formed behind the advancing wire electrode and is maintained immediately behind the wire electrode and in parallel therewith, and thus dams the flushing medium in the space between the wire electrode and the element while serving to hold the wire electrode against deflecting rearwards. The elongate element is advantageously a tube having one or more apertures formed in a lateral wall thereof juxtaposed with the wire electrode, through which apertures the cutting liquid medium is discharged into the cutting zone and/or the flushing liquid medium in the cutting zone is sucked to assure an equalized distribution in the rate of flow in the cutting zone across the thickness of the workpiece. During a course of the cutting operation, the elongate element may be axially moved or reciprocated, or laterally oscillated.

Abstract: A traveling-tape electroerosive cutting method and apparatus utilizing a tape supporting guide bar having two opposite, elongate surfaces extending parallel to its longitudinal axis. The bar penetrates the workpiece from one side to the other side to bring the tape advancing between its dispensing site and takeup site into form engagement with those elongate surfaces which are shaped to enable those portions of the traveling tape which are respectively in engagement with the elongate surfaces together form an active electrode surface of convexity generally V-shaped in section and juxtaposed with the workpiece across a fluid-filled machining gap.

Abstract: A gap energizing system for TW electroerosion, in which a fluid delivery assembly has an elongate internal fluid passage longitudinally traversed by a straight-line path for a traveling wire electrode traversing a workpiece while defining a machining gap therewith. The passage is supplied with a machining fluid from an external fluid source and has at its end a nozzle outlet for discharging the supplied fluid as an envelop flow surrounding the electrode towards the workpiece and into the machining gap. Disposed in the internal passage are a precision guide member and an electrode contact means.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for metal plating fibers in which an array of tensioning rollers and contact rollers insure a direct tight path for the fiber and facilitate rapid replacement of the contact rollers when necessary.

Abstract: A galvano-technical device for locally applying a metal layer to an elongate metal tape or to metal objects united in an elongate tape or the like in which the tape is guided along a roller adapted to rotate about a rotary axis in operation and being dipped at least partly in an electrolyte solution and in which the tape is displaced parallel to the rotary axis of the roller in a manner such that the parts of the tape to be provided with the metal layer come into contact with the roller whereby the device comprises a guide surface being stationary during operation in the direction of displacement of the tape, along which surface the tape is displaced during operation, and a guide rim extending parallel to the rotary axis of the roller and protruding out of the guide surface for the edge of the elongated tape remote from the roller, against which rim the edge of the elongate tape is pressed with the aid of wheels pressing the tape against the guide surface and having their rotary axes at an acute angle to the

Abstract: An improved guide holder is disclosed for an electrodischarge machining apparatus having a wire electrode, characterized in that the guide holder has a guide member with a cap, preferably non-conductive, is fixed to one side of a diamond body having a hole for passing through the wire electrode, and a pedestal is fixed to the other side of the diamond body, and that the cap and the pedestal each have a truncated conical hole which is in communication with the hole of the diamond body.

Abstract: A traveling-wire (TW) electroerosion apparatus in which at least one of wire guides which are disposed at opposite sides of the cutting zone has a plurality of guide elements with respective circular wire-receptive guide openings each of which is of a diameter substantially larger than a nominal diameter of the electrode wire and which are arranged to be mutually eccentric to make up a composite guide opening such that the diameter of an imaginary cylinder which can be inscribed therein is substantially equal to the nominal wire diameter. Preferably, the guide elements are arranged to be displaceable relative to one another and in their respective planes to change the eccentricity of these guide openings and thus to change the diameter of the imaginary cylinder.

Abstract: A rotary brush plating apparatus utilizing a porous brush member formed of a hydrophobic material is disclosed. Plating solution is pumped interiorly of rotating, cylindrical brush member and radially outwardly through interconnected pores to its periphery where plating takes place by the passage of parts lengthwise of the brush member in contact with its surface. A continuous circulation of plating solution is provided so that an adequate supply is always provided on the brush surface. Means are provided for recapturing excess solution for return to the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for machining an electrically conductive workpiece with a wire electrode which is originally ferromagnetic or becomes ferromagnetic in the machining zone wherein the magnetic properties of the wire are detected as it passes out of the machining zone and the detected magnetic properties are used to control a machining parameter.

Abstract: Yarns or tows of high strength composite fibers the majority of which comprise a core of carbon or the like and a thin, uniform firmly adherent electrically conductive layer or an electrodepositable metal, such as nickel or the like, the bond strength of the metal to the core being greater than 10 percent of the intermetallic bond strength of the metal layer. The composites can be produced by electrodeposition from a bath onto the core but the procedure must use external voltages high enough both (i) to dissociate the metal at the core and (ii) to nucleate the metal through the boundary layer into direct contact with the core.

Abstract: A wire electrode clamping mechanism of a wire-cut electric discharge machine is constituted by a wire guide pipe for guiding the wire electrode; a pipe holder for accommodating the upper portion of the wire guide pipe in such a manner that the wire guide pipe is capable of moving up and down; and a clamping member disposed on an upper portion of the pipe holder and operated by the wire guide pipe for clamping the wire electrode, the clamping member clamping the wire electrode which has been passed through the interior of the wire guide pipe.

Abstract: A traveling-wire (TW) electroerosion apparatus in which at least one of wire guides which are disposed at opposite sides of the cutting zone includes a plurality of elementary guide members arranged one adjacent to another in the direction of wire travel and having wire-receptive notches, the notched members being staggered to make up a composite guide opening of these notches such that the diameter of an imaginary cylinder which can be inscribed therein is substantially equal to the nominal wire diameter. Preferably, the elementary guide members are arranged to be displaceable relative to one another and in their respective planes, which are parallel to one another, to change the positions of these guide notches and thus to change the diameter of the imaginary cylinder.

Abstract: A vertical type electro-galvanizing apparatus, which comprises: a U-shaped electro-galvanizing tank including a first vertical path (12) at a steel strip inlet side, a second vertical path (13) at a steel strip outlet side and a horizontal path (14) for communicating the lower end of the first vertical path (12) to the lower end of the second vertical path (13); a first conductor roll (2), arranged above the first vertical path (12), for directing a steel strip (5) downwardly into the first vertical path (12) and applying electricity to the steel strip (5); at least one sink roll (3, 3'), arranged in the horizontal path (14), for upwardly reversing the travelling direction of the steel strip (5); a second conductor roll (4), arranged above the second vertical path (13), for directing the steel strip (5) upwardly from the second vertical path (13) and applying electricity to the steel strip (5); at least one first electrode plate (6, 6) arranged in the first vertical path (12); at least one second electrode pl

Abstract: A method and apparatus of continuous electroplating of a strip with an alloy by passing the strip through a plating bath of the immersion type in both down-pass and up-pass with an anode being positioned in each pass so as to face at least one side of the strip are disclosed. Said anode is an insoluble anode which is spaced from the strip by a distance of about 10-50 mm, and the plating solution is blown into the gap between said anode and said strip countercurrently with respect to the movement of said strip.

Abstract: AT (automatic threading) of wire through a workpiece without the need for a preformed through-hole therein is achieved on a TW (traveling-wire) electroerosion machine (TW-E machine) by utilizing a tubular electroerosion electrode positioned in axial alignment with a wire-threading path. Wire from a wire supply is introduced into the tubular electrode so as to extend through a tool holder therefor. The tubular electrode is advanced along the wire-threading path into and through the workpiece while electroerosively forming a bore therein. Wire is dispensed from the supply to allow wire to move out of the tubular electrode while the latter at least partially remains in the bore so that the wire passes into the wire outlet side of the cutting zone towards a takeup assembly. The tubular electrode may then be retracted along the wire-threading path from the workpiece while leaving wire in the bore finished in the workpiece.

Abstract: A contact plater apparatus and method for plating selected areas of a web workpiece wherein the web workpiece and anode are in close proximity, separated only by the brush belt that contacts the web workpiece. A box manifold continually replenished with plating solution, provides the brush belt with plating solution from openings in a header as the solution passes over an anode. The brush belt of open-cell foam or other absorbent material wicks up the plating solution and brushes it on the desired spot on the cathodic web workpiece. The brush belt is guided past the box manifold in an accurately defined path. The web workpiece and brush belt are brought into precise contact at the openings in the header of the box manifold where the plating takes place. The guide for the web workpiece is adjustable along more than one axis to provide for contacting the brush belt with the web workpiece with a range of contact pressure and angles. Each guide is custom built for the parts to be plated.

Abstract: A workpiece cutting method and apparatus in which an elongated wire or band tool spans a pair of guides and is continuously advanced relative to the workpiece by a first drive system but is reciprocated in the region of the workpiece by a second drive system at higher speed than the rate of continuous advance. This is permitted by storage devices between each guide and the first drive. The tool can carry out electrical machining and/or abrasive cutting using an abrasive bonded to the tool or in a machining fluid introduced into the cutting region.

Abstract: A machining center utilizing a traveling-electrode EDM machine in which a thin, continuous electrode element is supplied, transported, guided over a guide member and taken up to provide a continuously renewed span of electrode surface traveling over the guide member juxtaposed in electroerosive relationship with a workpiece. The guide member has a guide surface formed to impart a preselected geometry to the span of the electrode element and is detachably secured to a guide holder in the machine. The machining center includes a guide storage station for accepting a plurality of guide members the guide surfaces of which are different in geometry. A guide-member-changing device is operatively associated between the storage station and the machine to exchange guide member therebetween.

Abstract: A continuous electrolytic treatment can be applied to a metal strip by the method which comprises the steps of (1) passing a metal strip through a narrow treating space formed between horizontal upper and lower electrode devices, each having at least one insoluble electrode, whereby the treating space is divided into two gaps by the metal strip; (2) feeding an electrolytic treating liquid to the gaps through slits each formed in the middle portion of the electrode device in such a manner that the slit horizontally extends across the electrode device at right angles to the direction of passage of the metal strip and directed vertically toward the metal strip, whereby each stream of the treating liquid can be divided into two opposite flows in the gap; and (3) applying an electric current between each electrode and the metal strip.

Abstract: The plating apparatus (10) includes a pair of loop belts (20,21) rotating on two sets of pulleys, each set of pulleys including pulleys (11,12), to drive a strip (40) to be stripe plated past a translatingly movable electrolyte manifold (41) containing a series of electrolyte inlet and outlet slots (70,71) in its strip-facing surface. Electrolyte is sprayed from the inlet slots through apertures (24) in a back-up layer of at least one of the belts and through a slot (22) formed between belt segments. Vacuum or air pressure inlets (78,96) are provided at the ends of the manifold to prevent egress of electrolyte from the nip between the pairs of belts. One pulley of each set of pulleys is adjustable to tension the belt and an intermediate roller arrangement is included between each of the pulleys in each set to monitor the belt tension and provide sufficient frictional holding contact between the belts and the workpiece strip and desired sliding contact between the belts and the manifold surface.

Abstract: A wire-cut electric discharge machining apparatus for cutting a workpiece by producing an electric discharge across the workpiece and a wire while a machining liquid is allowed to flow between the wire and the workpiece via machining liquid flow rate control apparatus. When machining speed is reduced and machining discharge energy diminishes at a corner-cut portion or at a portion which is to be cut into the shape of a circular arc, the machining liquid flow rate, namely the pressure of the liquid, is reduced to prevent wire oscillation.

Abstract: A traveling-wire electroerosion apparatus using a first nozzle disposed at one side of a workpiece so as to coaxially surround the electrode wire moving into the workpiece for directing under a relatively low pressure a cutting liquid medium into a cutting zone in the workpiece and a second nozzle disposed at the other side of the workpiece so as to coaxially surround the electrode wire moving from the workpiece for directing under a relatively high pressure the cutting liquid medium into the cutting zone. A liquid flow guidance member, generally in the form of an annular disk or discus, is disposed at that one side of the workpiece and adjacent thereto so as to overlie at least a region of the cutting slot generated behind the advancing electrode wire, which region is adjacent the nozzle opening of the first nozzle.

Abstract: A travelling wire EDM apparatus having a pair of support and guide arms for an electrode wire effecting a cut on an electrode workpiece mounted in a tank filled with machining liquid fluid and capable of being displaced along two directions, relative to the support and guide arms, by a cross-slide table. At least the lower arm passes through an opening in one of the walls of the tank, such wall being formed by two parallel panels, a plate being slidably mounted between the two panels and having a tubular member through which the arm is disposed. Flexible joints are mounted between the plate and the two panels and at least one annular seal provides a sliding leakproof connection between the interior of the tubular member and the arm.

Abstract: An inner movable nozzle and an outer movable nozzle are slidably supported by a hollow base member having a first and a second internal fluid passage flooded with a pressurized machining liquid medium in a first and a second inlet flow, respectively. The inner nozzle is constituted by a first hollow body surrounding a traveling electrode and ending with an outlet portion forming a first annular face adjacent the workpiece and defining a principal nozzle orifice for discharging the liquid medium of the first flow about the electrode. The hollow body is movably supported by the base member so as to be thrusted outwards thereof to urge the outlet portion towards engagement with the workpiece against pressure in constituted fluid passages created outside the principal nozzle orifice and defined with the workpiece.

Abstract: A contact plater apparatus and method for plating selected areas of a web workpiece wherein the web workpiece and anode are in close proximity, separated only by the brush belt that contacts the web workpiece. A box manifold continually replenishes with plating solution, provides the brush belt with plating solution from openings in a header as the solution passes over an anode. The brush belt of open-cell foam or other absorbent material wicks up the plating solution and brushes it on the desired spot on the cathodic web workpiece. The brush belt is guided past the box manifold in an accurately defined path. The web workpiece and brush belt are brought into contact at the openings in the header of the box manifold where the plating takes place. The brush belt has a continuous loop of backing material that has considerable structural stability and is impervious to the plating fluid. The absorbent material is carried by this backing material.

Abstract: In a so-called radial cell for unilateral electroplating of a moving metal strip, the strip as the cathode is in contact with an electrically conductive peripheral surface of a rotating cathode roller. An anode concentric with the roller over a part of the roller circumference is located at a distance from the strip so as to form a slot into which electrolyte is supplied. It has been found that the electrolytic process is improved in uniformity and speed if the electrolyte is supplied only at the entrance end of the slot in the direction of strip movement so that the electrolyte flows turbulently and generally unidirectionally through the slot to the exit end thereof and at a rate such that the average velocity of the electrolyte through the slot is at least 75% of the linear strip velocity. The angular length of the slot can be less than 180.degree.. Preferably the average velocity of the electrolyte through the slot is at least equal to the linear strip velocity.

Abstract: There is described a device for electrolytically depositing, in a continuous operation and under a high current density, a lining metal layer over at least the one surface of a metal strip moving through an electrolytic bath, comprising at least one conducting roller cooperating with a cathode current supply, extending cross-wise relative to the strip movement direction and rotating about the axis thereof, in contact with the strip, substantially at the same circumferential speed as the traversing speed thereof, at least one anode being provided in the electrolytic bath facing at least the one surface of the strip moving through said bath, device in which said conducting roller is at least partly hollow, and the cathode current supply comprises a series of parallel-connected contacts which are distributed over that inner cylinder-like surface of the roller which lies opposite that outer surface portion the strip is applied on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for the continuous gold-plating of contact tabs for printed circuit boards which comprises a plurality of cells aligned in sequence which perform the operations of stripping, nickel-plating and gold-plating, and also intermediate operations of rinsing and neutralization, and through which cells said printed circuit boards are conveyed by a double conveyor belt which also effects the cathodic electrical contact for each cells. The said cells are provided with one or more feed chambers and at least one collection tank, provision being made for a chemical or electrochemical bath cascade flow area between said feed chamber or chambers and said collection tank or tanks. Losses from the chemical or electrochemical baths are prevented by recovery chambers placed at the inlet and outlet of each cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a process for producing improved quality electrodeposited and/or treated metal or metal alloy foil to be used in electrical and electronic applications. The quality of the foil being produced and/or treated by the system is improved by providing each treatment tank in the system with a dual filtration system. The dual filtration system for each tank comprises a filter conditioning loop for substantially continuously withdrawing solution from the tank and removing particulate matter from the withdrawn solution and a system for removing surface impurities from the solution. In a first embodiment, the surface impurities removing system comprises an off-line solution filtration and replenishment system. In a second embodiment, the surface impurities removing system comprises a skimmer floating on the surface of the solution. The present invention has particular utility in systems for producing electrodeposited and/or treated copper foils.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a workpiece cut off by electrical discharges in a travelling wire EDM apparatus. The workpiece is supported between support members provided with clamps. One support member is controllably pivotable around a horizontal axis, while the second support member is displaceable vertically and horizontally along crossed axes. In addition, the second support member may be rotated around a vertical axis. Through appropriate sequential operation of the clamps and relative displacement of the support members, the areas of the workpiece clamped by the clamps may be changed at will, and the cuttings from the workpiece may be supported by one of the clamp members to prevent the fall of the cuttings at the end of a cutting operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for aligning a plurality of rollers in a metal or metal alloy foil production line. The alignment system comprises a reference frame having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the direction of foil travel through the production line and an optical alignment system movably mounted to the frame. The optical alignment system comprises a laser beam generator, beam splitters and a mirror for generating an orthogonal reference frame for aligning each foil contacting roller in the production line.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of metal strip of the type having at least two separate vertically superposed chambers connected with each other by two vertical ducts the internal walls of which are formed by fixed electrodes. The electrolyte flows through these ducts, from the upper chamber into the lower one, the electrolyte being removed from the lower chamber and introduced into the upper chamber. The lower lips of the ducts extend below the surface of the electrolyte in the lower chamber. The ducts project downwardly into the lower chamber for at least half the height of the lower chamber.

Abstract: A device for the continuous electrolytic treatment of metal strip, in which the elementary electrolytic treatment cell consists of a hollow chamber of rectangular section through which the strip to be treated passes. Insoluble electrodes are disposed on both larger faces of the chamber, the electrical circuit being closed through the metal strip to be treated. The cell is immersed in the electrolyte, and the electrolyte is forced to flow through the treatment chamber by an ejector at the entry end of the chamber, which faces against the direction of strip movement. The treatment chamber is open at both ends to the free flow of electrolyte therethrough.

Abstract: A method of selective plating a component, which method includes contacting upper and lower faces of the component with upper and lower masks, respectively, so that the lower mask exposes a part of the component to be plated, positioning the component over a plating tank and selective plating the component with a plating medium, the plating pressure and the hardness of the material of the upper mask being such that the upper mask is deformed during plating so as at least partially to mask the edge(s) of the exposed part.

Abstract: A method of galvanically applying a metal coating to metal objects with the aid of an electrolyte which is brought into contact with at least the parts of the metal objects to be covered with metal, the metal objects being guided along the outer circumference of a curved surface whereby the electrolyte is guided in the form of a thin curtain at least substantially tangentially to the parts to be covered with metal of the objects adhering in an elongate tape so that after having passed along the parts to be covered the electrolyte can freely flow away without coming into contact with other parts of the objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quality high speed electrical plating of one or both sides of a metallic workpiece 12 wherein a combined consumable-non-consumable anode system so provides a uniformity of metallic deposition at relatively high speeds irrespective of the consumable anode 15 contour. A metal ion containing plating solution flows into contact with a workpiece through apertures 86 in the non-consumable anode 16 while metal ion concentration is maintained. The consumable-non-consumable anode system is used in a vertical or horizontal submerged cell configuration.