Abstract: An improved machining method and electrode for use in the traveling-wire EDM process utilizing an aqueous machining fluid medium which is decomposed by erosive electrical discharges into gaseous oxygen and hydrogen. Breakage of the traveling-wire electrode is reduced or eliminated through the use of an improved electrode element comprising a continuous electrode wire substrate and a layer of a polymeric substance having a temperature of thermal decomposition of 100.degree. to 500.degree. C. attached thereto in a distributed manner such as to partially cover the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrotreating apparatus, utilizing horizontal-pass electrotreating cells wherein the strip passes through the corridors of one or more of such cells. Electrolyte is caused to flow through the corridor(s) and overflow into a collector tank for recycle through the system. Electrode replacement is facilitated by inserting the electrodes through the outer walls of each corridor. Proper sealing of such electrodes is achieved by utilizing an electrode with a T-shape cross-section, in which the top of the T is a flange for exerting a bearing, liquid-tight sealing force against the outer surface of the corridor wall, while the vertical portion of the T comprises that part of the electrode which is inserted into a hole in the corridor wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for electroplating a steel strip by arranging a plurality of electrode rows each consisting of a plurality of electrodes disposed adjacent to each other along the direction of width of said steel strip in opposition to said strip travelling in an electrolytic cell holding an electrolytic solution, so that a metal constituting said electrodes may be electroplated on said steel strip, comprising the steps of intermittently or continuously transferring said electrodes of said electrode rows in a direction perpendicularly to the direction of travel of said steel strip at a speed so that a distribution of a deposition amount of the metal of said electrodes along the direction of width of said steel strip may be kept within an allowable tolerance, a width of said electrode rows being greater than the width of said steel strip; and unloading said electrode from one end of one of said electrode rows transferred by said transferring step and loading said electrode to the other end of said one ele

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrolytic treatment to a metal web includes transporting the metal web between pairs of electrolytic-plates which are immersed in an electrolyzer. A plurality of insulating members extends from upper surface or bottom of the electrolyzer along a widthwise direction of the metal web, and the insulating members function to interrupt a flow of the electrolyte which is circulated in the electrolyzer which increases the agitation rate of the electrolyte in the vicinity of the surfaces of the metal web.

Abstract: A counter flow device for a plating apparatus including a rotary drum with its substantially half part immersed in a plating solution in a plating bath, about which a metallic strip to be plated passes in synchronism with rotation of said rotary drum and anodes spaced apart by radial gaps from the strip for causing electric current to flow between the strip and the anodes. According to the invention the counter flow device comprises a bottom nozzle arranged at a bottom of the bath and directing in a direction substantially opposite to an entering direction of the strip thereat and a top nozzle having a nozzle opening whose tip end is immersed in the proximity of a surface of the plating solution at a location where the strip leaves the plating solution, thereby ensuring uniform counter flows over entire gaps between the metallic strip and anodes to remarkably increase critical current density in plating and advantageously realize uniform plating.

Abstract: A device for applying blot-shaped coverings to metal or metallized tapes by electro-plating, comprising a guide member along which a metal and/or metallized tape can be guided and an endless masking member co-operating with the tape and the guide member and having passages, the shapes of which match the desired blot-shaped coverings, whereby the masking member is formed by independent segments, each of which has at least one passage, sealing means being arranged between the segments the structure of said means being such that while maintaining the sealing relationship between the segments they allow a movement of the segments relative to one another in the direction of length of the masking member.

Abstract: Electrolytic treatment of a metal strip with an electrolytic treating liquid carried out using an apparatus comprising a device for feeding the metal strip; a device for delivering the metal strip, which device is arranged downstream the feeding device in such a manner that a horizontal path of movement of the steel strip is provided between the feeding and delivering devices; a pair of electrode devices spaced from and facing each other through the horizontal path of the metal strip and each extending in parallel to the horizontal path, each electrode device having an electrode and static pressure liquid pad located in the electrode, each static pressure liquid pad being provided with a slit nozzle for ejecting an electrolytic treating liquid toward the corresponding metal strip surface under conditions adequate for producing a static pressure of the electrolytic treating liquid ejected therethrough between each electrode device and the corresponding metal strip surface to an extent that the metal strip is s

Abstract: A cathode adapted for use in electrochemical processing for surface treatment of metal products in an electrolytic bath; the cathode is constructed from a core of copper or aluminum or combinations thereof, which core is clad with stainless steel. This cathode construction provides high electrical conductivity with a relatively low cost and lightweight cathode construction.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying a working fluid and a wire electrode to a wire region of a wire-cut electrical discharge machine comprising a housing supported by a support member and having opposed aligned openings through which a wire electrode is passed into operation association with a workpiece at the work region to be operated on by the electrode. A working fluid is supplied under pressure into the housing and the working fluid passes through a nozzle supported in the housing against the workpiece. The nozzle is positioned in the housing to surround the wire electrode which travels therethrough and it projects from the housing to discharge the working fluid against the workpiece at a gap formed therewith. A guide die is supported in the housing to guide the wire electrode through the housing and the nozzle.

Abstract: A high speed aluminum wire anodizing machine and process are provided which includes anodizing aluminum wire in an anodizer tank having wire ingress and egress openings. At least two adjacent rotatable wire accumulator drums are provided in the tank, preferably with means for producing a flow of anodizing electrolytes into each of the drums through an end hub thereof and out of the sidewalls of the drums passed circumferential wire separators. An anode is located proximal to the wire ingress opening, preferably in a contact cell which has an adjustable wire egress window. At least one cathode is provided in the tank. The cathode is preferably either between the drums or a pair of cathodes are provided above and below the drums adjacent to the sidwalls thereof, or both.

Abstract: In a process of continuously electrodepositing a metal layer on one or both sides of strip metal which moved while it is maintained in a non-horizontal direction, the electrolyte flows between at least one platelike anode and the strip metal which constitutes a cathode. The electrode flows downwardly by gravity and in the space between the anode and the strip metal forms a coherent body of flowing liquid. Additional electrolyte is continuously supplied to said space.

Abstract: Selective electrolytic plating of small interconnected parts at high rates of production is disclosed. A porous hydrophobic material serves as the body of a brush member which has surfaces configured to transfer charged electrolytic solution to the selected surfaces of the parts being plated. Electrolytic solution is delivered under pressure to the interior of the body member.

Abstract: An electrode support device for a continuous electroplating bath includes current supply rotating drums whose parts are immersed in the electroplating bath, a metal strip to be plated being trained about the immersed parts of the rotating drums, and a number of arcuate consumable electrodes arranged side by side along generators of the rotating drums and successively movable on support surfaces of electrode supports so as to supply new consumable electrodes at one ends of the arranged electrodes and remove consumed electrodes from the other ends.

Abstract: An improved electrode and method for electroerosion machining both of traveling-wire type wherein an elongate element having a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 mm is axially displaced to form a traveling-wire machining electrode therefrom. The traveling-wire machining electrode is juxtaposed with a workpiece across a machining gap flooded with a machining liquid issuing from a jet and a machining current from a source is passed between the electrode and the workpiece to electroerosively machine the latter. Gaseous bubbles formed by the electrical decomposition of the machining liquid tend to be adherent on the machining surface of the electrode and thus act as a thermal insulator between the electrode and the coolant machining liquid. The elongated element is formed with a rugged peripheral surface along a length thereof to facilitate the detachment of the gaseous bubbles from the machining surface of the electrode. Various ways of producing the rugged peripheral surface are described, e.g.

Abstract: A system for the galvanic deposition of aluminum incorporating a tubular cell through which goods to be treated can be moved in the axial direction. An electrolyte is pumped through the tubular cell preferably with the aid of an electrolyte circulating system which is self-contained. The electrolyte is gated out by means of T-shaped connecting components which are adjoined by airlock arrangements associated with the tubular cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrotreating a metal strip and employing an electrode roll having a metallic outer surface covered by a porous mesh layer composed of electrically non-conductive material and fixedly secured to the outer surface of the electrode roll.

Abstract: A wire plating machine includes a tank whose interior walls are covered with insulation and which contains an electrolyte bath. Positioned on the bottom of the tank is a positive insulated electrode which creates positive ions, e.g., tin. A wire is drawn through the tank in a relatively straight line and is given a negative charge, while still in the bath, by passing it into a series of insulating housings along its path of travel. Within the housings there are elongated rods in contact with the wire and connected to a negative potential via shunt straps that pass through insulated tubes out of the bath to a voltage source. Upon leaving the bath, excess electrolyte is removed from the wire and it is subjected to a neutralizing rinse. Then the wire is wound up on a capstan of an intermediate drawing machine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrotreating apparatus, utilizing a vertical-pass electrotreating cell wherein the strip passes over a conductor roll, through one corridor of the cell, around the sink roll, up through a second corridor of the cell and over a second conductor roll. Electrolyte is caused to flow from the lower portions of each corridor, up through the corridors and overflow into a collector tank for recycle through the system. Rather than support electrodes from the top of each corridor, electrode replacement is facilitated by inserting the electrodes through the outer walls of each of the corridors. Proper sealing of such electrodes is achieved by utilizing an electrode with a T-shape cross-section, in which the top of the T is a flange for exerting a bearing, liquid-tight sealing force against the outer surface of the corridor wall, while the vertical portion of the T comprises that part of the electrode which is inserted into a hole in the corridor wall.

Abstract: A web conveying method and apparatus in which a metal web is maintained substantially parallel to an adjacent electrode despite fluctuations in the flow of an electrolytic solution in which the web is immersed. A guide plate is disposed adjacent the web on the side thereof opposite the electrode. A plurality of through-holes are formed in the guide plate which are evenly distributed thereon. Due to the flow of solution through the guide plate, a static pressure is applied to the web which maintains it substantially parallel at all times to the electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for selectively electroplating continuous longitudinally extending stripes or lines onto continuous metal base strip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electro-treating one surface of a metal strip alone or both surfaces sequentially. Another embodiment electro-treats both surfaces simultaneously. All embodiments employ a roll having an electrically conducting outer surface around a substantial portion of which is wrapped the strip. An electrically insulating mesh layer is interposed between the strip and the roll's outer surface, and electrolytic liquid floods the openings in the mesh layer and is retained there by that portion of the strip which is wrapped around the roll. The strip is advanced in a downstream direction, and the roll is simultaneously rotated. The strip and the outer surface of the roll are electrically charged with opposite polarities, but neither one is immersed in a bath of electrolytic liquid. Cations flow between the roll and the wrapped-around portion of the strip through the liquid in the openings of the mesh layer.

Abstract: A device for electroplating portions of a continuously moving, cathodically connecting workpiece as it is moved past a plurality of anodically connected spray nozzles characterized by the spray nozzles comprising precious metal and being positioned one after another in a row along the direction of movement of the workpiece with each of the nozzles having an individual stream of electrolytes emerging unimpeded therefrom. The continuously moving workpiece is positioned so that selected portions thereof are moved along the row of nozzles to be contacted by the stream of electrolyte emerging from the individual nozzles for a free and unimpeded electroplating of the portions contacted by the streams.

Abstract: A device according to the invention comprises trolleys arranged above a plating bath and movable in transverse directions of a steel strip, guide rollers secured to lower ends of vertical levers depending from the trolleys and in contact with edges of the strip by urging means such as counter weights acting upon the vertical levers, and shielding plates secured to the lower ends of the vertical levers below the guide rollers so as to shield undersides of the strip in the proximity of the edges from anodes immersed in the plating bath in opposition to the strip.The device according to the invention can maintain the positional relation between the edges of the strip and shielding plates notwithstanding staggering movements of the strip to prevent the edges of the strip from being excessively plated.

Abstract: A discrete, precut strip, lead frame plating system wherein each strip is loaded onto a linked chain, located against plating masks, contacted electrically, plated, dried, and unloaded from the chain in successive sequential fashion.

Abstract: A current-conductor assembly for conducting a machining current to a wire electrode in a wire-cutting electroerosion machine comprises a pair of coplanar wheels rotatable about their respective shafts and having their respective peripheries for receiving the wire electrode between them. The wheels are urged towards one another to press the wire electrode between the peripheries and a brush connectable electrically to a source of the machining current and adapted to be urged under pressure into electrical contact with a flank of one of the wheels which is electrically conductive for conducting the current to the wire electrode. The brush is an electrically conductive body preferably composed of copper, graphite or a copper/graphits composite material containing a solid-state lubricating material, e.g. MoS.sub.2 or WS.sub.2. The pressing wheel urged towards the conducting wheel is, at least along its peripheral region, composed of an elastomeric material.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which guides material in strip form horizontally between vertically-disposed electrodes in an electrolytic coating, pickling or degreasing process. The electrodes are attached to two vertically-disposed insulated frames positioned on either side of the strip. At both ends of the frames, relative to the direction of movement, are pairs of rollers through which the strip passes before and after treatment. The frames are pressed together by means of two pairs of scissor arms which are secured to the frame at one end and at the other end are compressed by tensioning means. The apparatus is suspended by support arms, the bottom ends of which are pivotally connected to the pivot pins of the scissor arms with the top ends movably secured to the tank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuously electroplating wire or the like wherein two or more drums combine a power supply with a wire turn direction, each drum having a vertical and rotatable shaft, are provided; a wire or the like to be electroplated is wound on the drums in multiple stages so as to be run; an electroplating cell is positioned between the drums so that the wire to be electroplated is arranged to pass in and out of the electroplating cell in multiple stages and repeatedly; and, particularly, an end of the electroplating cell is provided with a slit for passage of the wire to be electroplated, the slit being provided with weir plates placed one on top of another such that the weir plates put each of wires in multiple stages running through the electroplating cell between upper and lower weir plates and passage holes for running the wires at multiple stages are formed at joints between individual weir plates.

Abstract: A method for removing the hydrogen in the continuous chromium-plating process of large bars or long-shaped pieces and the like; according to the invention, the chromium-plating bath is made to recycle under pressure by feeding it into the space inside the chromium-plating anode and directing the jets of chromium-plating fluid towards the surfaces of the pieces during the passage inside the anode itself. This invention concerns moreover, a double-tank apparatus with a double sealing system at both ends and with a system for recycling the chromium-plating fluid, from the outer tank to the inner one, inside the anode.

Abstract: An installation for electro-depositing metal, such as aluminum, on elongated goods such as tapes or wires characterized by a tubular cell, which is closed to the outside and provided with airlock arrangements at each end so that goods can be conveyed therethrough in contact with an electrolyte for electroplating. The cell is formed of a plurality of interconnected rectangular tubes with each tube having a flange at each end for forming a connection and receiving interchangeable nonconductive insert pieces, which match the interior dimensions of the tube and have atleast two longitudinal channels for guiding the goods to be metallized and for positioning anodes to surround the goods to be metallized in the flow of electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrocoating apparatus located totally above a bath of electrolytic liquid and comprising a depletable anode roll having an outer layer of coating metal. Another roll is axially parallel to and vertically spaced from the anode roll. A closed loop of electrically insulative, porous mesh material extends around a portion of the peripheral surface of each roll to form the closed loop. A strip of metal is wrapped around a portion of the anode roll, with the porous mesh interposed between the strip's inner surface and the anode roll's peripheral surface. There is an upstream nip between the strip and the anode roll. The two rolls and the mesh loop are rotated, and the metal strip is advanced in a downstream direction, all at the same speed. Electrolytic liquid is introduced at the upstream nip and is retained between the anode roll and that part of the strip which is wrapped around the anode roll. Metal is coated on the inner surface of the strip, and the anode roll undergoes depletion.

Abstract: Conductor rolls used for masking one face of a metal strip while electro-treating the other face thereof, comprise an elastomeric-covered cylinder having a metallic contact ring in the center thereof for electrical contact with the strip being treated. To minimize high transfer current densities, the edges of these contact rings have been provided with a cantilevered flange overlying a portion of the elastomer. It has been found, due to differential thermal expansion, at operating temperature, of both the elastomer and the metal contact ring, that the cantilevered flange section of the contact ring is forced up to an excessive extent, resulting in high bending stresses generated in the strip at the region of the contact ring-elastomer interface. By providing a taper on the cantilever flange section to compensate for the difference in thermal expansion, bending stresses in the strip are reduced to insignificant values, thereby eliminating creases and scratches in the strip.

Abstract: A wire-cut, electric discharge machine in which a pair of rollers are provided in the vicinity of each of the upper and lower guides of a wire running system for gripping therebetween a wire with constant pressure. When the wire breaks, the pairs of rollers hold the wire to prevent it from coming off the running system.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in selective plating a component, which apparatus comprises an electroplating zone, a series of movable selective plating heads in an endless chain configuration, wherein each plating head comprises an electrolyte opening, means for indexing the plating head to a component, means for engaging the component so as to expose an area to be selectively plated to electrolyte, means for releasably sealing the rear of the component in the region of the area to be plated, means for fastening the sealing means prior to the entry of the plating head into the electroplating zone and means for releasing the sealing means after the plating head leaves the electroplating zone, resilient or slidable couplings provided between the plating heads and means provided in the electroplating zone for supplying electrolyte to the area to be selectively plated, as well as a method of selective plating a component, which method comprises: providing an electroplating zone and moving through the electroplating zone a

Abstract: A plating head for spot plating a web of moving material that plates faster due to a large planar electrode that faces the plating area and a system of electrolyte channels that inject electrolyte at a high rate from the side of the electrode into the space between the electrode and the plating area.

Abstract: An electroplating mask support structure of particular use in the plating of semiconductor chip lead frames in which a support bar has a number of support stations thereon with masking die containing cavities in the stations.

Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for electroplating a strip of metal of a relatively low electric conductivity, which can be applied, for example, for a stainless steel strip with gold. Said apparatus comprises anode means, masking device and cathode means, said cathode means comprising a plurality of contact elements which are disposed in said masking device. Thereby, said steel is electroplated on one side partially along its length, in spite of the high electric resistance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrogalvanizing one or both sides of a steel workpiece are disclosed. A series of insoluble apertured plating anodes are positioned in spaced relation to the workpiece. When one side is to be plated one or more anodes are preferably mounted above the strip and when both sides are plated, anodes are mounted both above and below the strip. Solution is pumped through the holes in the anodes to momentarily contact the workpiece and they fall into a sump to be recirculated. A potential difference between the anode or anodes and the workpiece causes current flow through the electrolyte solution to electroplate the workpiece. Solution collection by the sump is directed to a reaction station for replenishment of the zinc metal ion. The solution is then filtered back to a main reservoir tank from which it is again pumped to the plating anodes.

Abstract: A device for galvanically depositing a metal coating on a side of a metal strip includes an anode housing which is connected to a power supply and includes one or more planar, vertical electroplating plates. The metal strip is also connected to the power supply and serves as a cathode, and is supported for vertical movement past the electroplating plate a short distance therefrom and parallel thereto. The electroplating plate includes a generally vertical outlet slot which permits electrolyte to flow out of the anode housing to the region between the electroplating plate and metal strip, and a pump returns the electrolyte to the anode housing. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet slot tapers downwardly and is inclined at a small angle to a vertical reference.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for coating a metallic wire with a similar or dissimilar metallic plating layer having the desired uniform thickness and a compact metallic structure by passing the wire through electrolytic baths and through surface smoothing stations. The wire is passed through an electrolytic bath to coat the wire with a plating layer, then pressed against the peripheral surfaces of rotatable rollers to smooth the surface of the plating layer substantially over the entire periphery thereof. Subsequently the wire is coated with an electrolytic plating layer over the smoothed surface of the wire.

Abstract: An indexing system adapted to periodically advance a web of metal through a plating line that first advances gently till it engages a hole in the web, then closes clamping members about the web to grasp the web over a distributed region, and only then moves the web at full speed.

Abstract: A device for the chemical or electrochemical surface treatment of material in a heated liquid treatment medium and comprising a liquid tank with a lid, more particularly a strip pickling plant, in which the evaporation surface of the liquid is reduced by at least one cover member immersed in the liquid. The cover member can be mounted on the tank lid or can be placed on supports within the tank.

Abstract: An electrolytic processing device in which either or both surfaces of a belt-shaped metal plate can be selectively subjected to an electrolytic process. In a first electrolytic processing operation wherein only one surface of the belt-shaped metal plate is subjected to processing, an electrical insulating member is disposed between the belt-shaped metal plate and a first group of electrodes arranged over the surface of the belt-shaped metal plate to thereby suppress the flow of current between the belt-shaped metal plate and the first group of electrodes. In a second electrolytic processing operation in which both surfaces of the belt-shaped metal plate are subjected to processing, the electrical insulating member is removed from the position between the electrodes and the belt-shaped metal plate to thereby allow current to flow from the electrodes to both surfaces of the belt-shaped metal plate.

Abstract: A contact for making electrical connections to a moving strip of metal, so as to permit plating the strip, in which grooved members engage just the edges of the strip, thus avoiding scratches on the face of the strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for electroplating a metal wire of a relatively low electric conductivity. Said wire is wound onto a cylindrical frame which connects said wire to a cathode at many contact points which are changed at certain intervals by a rocking motion.

Abstract: A consumable-anode selective plating apparatus for plating a continuous metal strip having a container for containing a consumable anode material, a mask assembly for exposing selected areas of said continuous metal strip to an electrolyte, a source of electrolyte and a source of power and conductors for passing a current through said electrolyte, consumable anode material and metal strip.

Abstract: In a continuous electrolytic processing apparatus for a metal strip, a variation in electrode distance is achieved by an electrode-holder positioning means 40 which comprises expansible tubes 6 elastically holding the electrode holder 7. A fluid medium is admitted into the expansible tubes 6 at an adjustable pressure or amount. The electrode distance can be adjusted to conform with the processing conditions at a value which allows very efficient processing.

Abstract: A roll for electroplating having low volume resistivity is provided which consists essentially of, in wt %, below 0.1% C, below 1.5% Si, below 1.5% Mn, 14% to 21% Cr, 13% to 20% Mo, below 6% Fe, and the balance substantially Ni. The roll may further contain one or more of the elements selected from the group consisting of below 0.5% Al, below 1.0% Ti, below 1.5% Nb, below 0.5% V, and below 3.0% W.

Abstract: A system is provided for the electrolytic cleaning of metal wire which is arranged generally in horizontal, overlapped non-concentric loop form. The system includes a container for holding an electrolyte, means for conveying the wire in loop form through the electrolyte, and a plurality of tandem electrodes of opposite polarity separated by non-conductive barriers. The elongated electrodes include a wrap-around portion at each of their opposite ends. Each wrap-around portion provides from 5 to 35 percent additional electrode area which enables more effective cleaning to be accomplished adjacent the outer edges of the wire loops.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for producing shaped surfaces on workpieces by electroerosion at a machining zone. A continuous wire electrode having a first, initial cross-section is fed toward the machining zone, and while it is thus fed the electrode is deformed to a second, desired cross-section before it reaches the machining zone, the second cross-section being complementary to the shape of the surface to be machined into the workpiece.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrogalvanizing one or both sides of a steel workpiece are disclosed. A series of insoluble apertured plating anodes are positioned in spaced relation to the workpiece. When one side is to be plated one or more anodes are preferably mounted above the strip and when both sides are plated, anodes are mounted both above and below the strip. Solution is pumped through the holes in the anodes to momentarily contact the workpiece and they fall into a sump to be recirculated. A potential difference between the anode or anodes and the workpiece causes current flow through the electrolyte solution to electroplate the workpiece. Solution collected by the sump is directed to a reaction station for replenishment of the zinc metal ion. The solution is then filtered back to a main reservoir tank from which it is again pumped to the plating anodes.