Abstract: A method of rejuvenating a Ru plating seed layer during write pole fabrication in a PMR head is disclosed that involves forming an opening in a mold forming layer. A Ru seed layer is deposited by CVD within the opening and on a top surface of the mold forming layer. The substrate with the Ru seed layer is immersed in an acidic solution and an electric potential is applied for 1 to 2 minutes such that hydrogen is generated to reduce ruthenium oxides to Ru metal on the seed layer surface in an activation step. One or more surfactants are used to improve wettability of the Ru layer. The substrate is transferred directly to an electroplating solution without drying following the activation step to minimize exposure to oxygen that could regenerate oxides on the surface of the Ru layer. As a result, write pole voids and delamination are significantly reduced.

Abstract: A new process of manufacturing a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) substrate with light trapping feature and the device thereof is described. The process comprises: forming a metal layer on a substrate, annealing the metal layer so that metal elements are self-aggregated, thereby forming a plurality of island-structure metal protrusions; and forming a transparent conductive oxide layer on the island-structure metal protrusions and the substrate.

Abstract: Bioelectrodes having enhanced biocompatible and biomimetic features are provided. Methods of making and using the bioelectrodes are further provided. A biologically integrated bioelectrode device and method for detecting electronic signals using a bioelectrode comprising a first electrically conductive substrate and a biological component. The bioelectrode also comprises a conductive polymer electrically coupling the first electrically conductive substrate and the biological component to define a bioelectrode. The bioelectrode can transmit or receive an electrical signal between the electrically conductive substrate and the biological component and conductive polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A microfabricated tip and post structure comprising a post having a rough top surface that diffuses incident light and a cross-section, and a tip, lithographically plated on the rough top surface of the post, having a smooth reflective surface appropriate for automatic vision recognition, and having a cross-section that is less than the cross-section of the post.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for forming a coating film on a metallic substrate by a multistage energization method at no less than two stages using an electrodeposition bath which comprises a water-based film-forming agent comprising zirconium compound and, as the base resin, an amino group-containing modified epoxy resin which is obtained through reaction of an epoxy resin with an amino group-containing compound, said epoxy resin having been obtained through reaction of a diepoxide compound, a bisphenol epoxy resin and bisphenols; whereby coated articles excelling in corrosion resistance are offered.

Abstract: Articles having metallic finishes including antimicrobial agents dispersed throughout the finish and methods of electroplating said metallic finishes on a material. The metallic finishes include highly-decorative electroplated finishes for bathroom and kitchen hardware, door hardware, and other highly lustrous products where antimicrobial protection is preferred.

Abstract: A method for providing a structure in a magnetic recording transducer is described. The method includes plating a first layer in a plating bath using a first plurality of plating conditions. The first layer has a first galvanic potential. The method also includes modifying the plating bath and/or the first plurality of plating conditions to provide a modified plating bath and/or a second plurality of plating conditions. The method further includes plating a second layer using the modified plating bath and/or the second plurality of plating conditions. The second layer has a second galvanic potential. The first galvanic potential is between the second galvanic potential and a third galvanic potential of a third layer if the third layer adjoins the first layer. The second galvanic potential is between the first galvanic potential and the third galvanic potential of the third layer if the third layer adjoins the second layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode useful in electrochemical nanobiosensors for determining the presence or concentration of analytes in aqueous samples. In particular, the electrode comprises a biocatalyst or other bioreceptor entrapped in a conducting polymeric film deposited on a conducting material and a non-conducting or conducting coating. In particular embodiments, the conducting polymeric layer also comprises metallic nanoparticles. Electrochemical nanobiosensors containing the electrode, methods of making the electrode or sensor and methods of detecting analytes are other aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing an electric component including a dielectric layer on a substrate, includes the method steps of applying a metallic layer to the substrate and oxidizing the metallic layer to form a dielectric layer, wherein at least one partial region of the metallic layer is fully oxidized through the entire thickness of the layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved electrostatic chuck for a substrate processing system. The electrostatic chuck comprising a main body having a top surface configured to support the substrate, a power supply to apply a voltage to the main body and a sealing ring disposed between the main body and the substrate wherein the sealing ring has a conductive layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capacitor which has a high capacitance and a low equivalent series resistance. The capacitor includes a conductive base material composed of a plating film having a specific surface area of 100 mm2/mm3 or more, a dielectric film on a surface of the conductive base material, and an opposed conductor formed so as to be opposed to the conductive base material with the dielectric film interposed therebetween. The plating film constituting the conductive base material is formed by electrolytic plating or electroless plating, and may have a porous form, wire-like form or broccoli-like form.

Abstract: A swage mount that includes a flange, having a first side and a second side, and a cylindrically shaped hub. The hub is primarily comprised of a metal (such as stainless steel), and extends from the second side of the flange, and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The surface of the swage mount is plated with one or more layers of metal, or a combination of metals, which provide a) increased retention torque, and b) increased part cleanliness. This invention may be used in conjunction with surface hardened swage mounts that contain surface protrusions. In this case the metal plating prevents separation of the protrusions from the swage mount, thereby preventing contamination.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a tantalum condenser, in which a high-performing tantalum condenser is manufactured through a more simplified and higher-efficient process using simpler and economical equipment. The method of manufacturing a tantalum condenser including: preparing a tantalum pellet by sintering a tantalum powder; oxidizing the tantalum pellet to form a dielectric layer on a surface thereof; forming a polymer layer on the tantalum pellet having the dielectric layer formed on the surface thereof; and immersing the tantalum pellet having the polymer layer formed on the surface thereof in a polymer suspension to be subjected to chemical reformation.

Abstract: A magnetic writer includes a write pole configured such that the easy magnetic axis is parallel to the vertical length direction of the write pole tip and to the ABS of the recording media. The write pole tip can be a multilayer structure comprising alternating magnetic and nonmagnetic layers with a planar orientation substantially perpendicular to the ABS and with magnetic anisotropy parallel to the vertical length direction of the write pole tip. The alternating magnetic and nonmagnetic layers may be formed by electroplating on a conformal seedlayer in a trench, or by static off axis physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a tab having a semiconductor chip fixed thereto, a plurality of inner leads, a plurality of outer leads formed integrally with the inner leads, a plurality of wires coupling the electrode pads of the semiconductor chip to the inner leads, and a molded body having the semiconductor chip molded therein. Over a surface of each of the outer leads protruding from the molded body, an outer plating including lead-free platings is formed. The outer plating has, in a thickness direction thereof, a first lead-free plating and a second lead-free plating, the first and second lead-free platings having the same composition and meeting at an interface. The first and second lead-free platings are formed under different conditions and may have different physical properties.

Abstract: A method of processing a printed wiring board. Initial processing steps are implemented on the printed wiring board. Copper is plated on the printed wiring board from a bath containing nickel and copper. Nickel is plated on the printed wiring board from a bath containing nickel and copper and final processing steps are implemented on the printed wiring board.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a surface-treated steel sheet which contains no Cr, which is excellent in wet resin adhesion, and which can be used as an alternative to a conventional tin-free steel sheet and to provide a resin-coated steel sheet produced by coating the surface-treated steel sheet with resin. A surface-treated steel sheet including an adhesive layer which is disposed on at least one surface of the steel sheet and which contains Ti and at least one selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Ni, V, Cu, Mn, and Zn, the ratio of the total amount of Co, Fe, Ni, V, Cu, Mn, and Zn to the amount of Ti contained therein being 0.01 to ten on a mass basis, and a method for producing the surface-treated steel sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microcapsule and a method of forming a microcapsule which may be used for oxygen sensitive materials. The microcapsule may comprise a shell encapsulating a core material having a surface, wherein the shell comprises a first organic or inorganic polyelectrolyte providing a plurality of cationic or anionic charges. This may then be followed by forming a first layer comprising an inorganic or organic polyelectrolyte on the microcapsule surface, where the polyelectrolyte of the first layer provides a plurality of cationic or anionic charges, opposite to the charge of the shell polyelectrolyte. This may then be followed by forming a second layer comprising a second organic or inorganic polyelectrolyte providing a plurality of cationic or anionic charges, opposite to the charge of the first layer polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: A porous catalyst structure with a high specific surface area comprising a porous substrate with a catalyst layer thereon is provided. The porous catalyst structure can be prepared by a process comprising depositing a metallic layer onto the surface of a porous, metallic substrate by electroplating, and optionally oxidizing the metallic layer into the metal oxide layer. Any conductive porous metallic substrate can be used as the substrate of the subject invention, and the metallic layer may comprise any suitable metal(s) and/or metal oxide(s) with desired catalytic function(s).

Abstract: A method of forming a component capable of being exposed to a plasma in a process chamber comprises forming a structure comprising a surface and electroplating yttrium, and optionally aluminum or zirconium, onto the surface. Thereafter, the electroplated layer can be annealed to oxide the yttrium and other electroplated species.

Abstract: Electrochemical etching tailors topography of a nanocrystalline or amorphous metal or alloy, which may be produced by any method including, by electrochemical deposition. Common etching methods can be used. Topography can be controlled by varying parameters that produce the item or the etching parameters or both. The nanocrystalline article has a surface comprising at least two elements, at least one of which is metal, and one of which is more electrochemically active than the others. The active element has a definite spatial distribution in the workpiece, which bears a predecessor spatial relationship to the specified topography. Etching removes a portion of the active element preferentially, to achieve the specified topography. Control is possible regarding: roughness, color, particularly along a spectrum from silver through grey to black, reflectivity and the presence, distribution and number density of pits and channels, as well as their depth, width, size.

Abstract: Permanent or temporary alignment and/or retention structures for receiving multiple components are provided. The structures are preferably formed monolithically via a plurality of deposition operations (e.g. electrodeposition operations). The structures typically include two or more positioning fixtures that control or aid in the positioning of components relative to one another, such features may include (1) positioning guides or stops that fix or at least partially limit the positioning of components in one or more orientations or directions, (2) retention elements that hold positioned components in desired orientations or locations, and/or (3) positioning and/or retention elements that receive and hold adjustment modules into which components can be fixed and which in turn can be used for fine adjustments of position and/or orientation of the components.

Abstract: Methods and structures for the electroplating on ultra-thin seed layers are disclosed. A dual layer structure is utilized, consisting of a thicker, highly conductive layer surrounding device structures. Within the device die, an ultra-thin seed layer is employed, which is electrically coupled to the conduction layer. Using this technique, electroplating of critical device structures can be carefully controlled and made uniform across the full diameter of the wafer. The technique also allow for the deployment of ultra-thin seed layers of varying thickness and composition in different locations within the circuit device, or in different die on the wafer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming coatings on substrates. In an embodiment, a method includes forming a first metal layer on the substrate, the first metal layer comprising a first precious metal, electrodepositing an active element over the first metal layer to form an active element layer, the active element selected from the group consisting of yttrium, scandium, and a lanthanide series element, applying a second metal layer over the active element layer, the second metal layer consisting essentially of a metal selected from a group consisting of a second precious metal, nickel, and cobalt, heating the substrate including the first metal layer, the active element layer, and the second metal layer to form a diffusion-alloyed layer over the substrate, adding aluminum to the diffusion-alloyed layer, and heating the substrate to diffuse and react the aluminum with the diffusion-alloyed layer to form a modified precious metal aluminide coating on the substrate.

Abstract: A separator for use in a fuel cell has an iron-based hydrous oxide film formed on a passive film of a peripheral surface except a gas channel of a separator substrates of SUS by cathodic electrolysis treatment in an alkaline solution and further a resin layer of an electrodeposited water-soluble resin formed on the iron-based hydrous oxide film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a vehicle body, which, without removing protrusions on an electrophoretic coating, improves the coating quality. The outer surface of the vehicle body is sanded prior to a pre-treatment, where the vehicle body is degreased and washed.

Abstract: Provided with a work electrodeposition coating method for immersing a work in a paint in an electrodeposition tank provided with a first positive electrode for supplying a low voltage and a second positive electrode for supplying a high voltage to carry out electrodeposition coating of a work surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mould part (8) for forming an article. The method comprises: providing a master (1) of an aluminium alloy or a zinc alloy with a surface (7) corresponding to the surface of the article to be formed by the mould part. A copper layer (3) is deposited on top of the master surface (7). Then a mould part layer (4) of nickel, a nickel alloy, cobalt or a cobalt alloy is plated on top of the copper layer. The master (1) is dissolved in a solution. The copper layer (3) is selectively etched from the mould part layer (4) in an alkaline etchant comprising free Cu(II) ions, a first complexing agent forming strong complexes with Cu(I) ions but not Ni ions or Co ions, a second complexing agent forming strong complexes with Cu(II) ions but not Ni ions or Co ions. Oxygen is supplied to the etchant for oxidizing Cu(I) ions to Cu (II) ions.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide particles or coatings for splitting water, which are largely protected from corrosive damage. To this end, the particles or the coating consist(s) of a nucleus or a sub-layer and a shell or top layer, the nucleus or the sub-layer forming a reactive unit and consisting of a material which, on input of energy from sunlight, releases electrons capable of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, and the shell or top layer forming a protective unit capable of keeping the cleavage products away from the surface of the reactive unit and simultaneously having conductive fractions. Surprisingly, it has been found that corrosive damage to the reactive particles is (largely) prevented by the targeted separation of the reaction particles and the cleavage products over the kinetic range of the released electrons.

Abstract: Methods of producing one or more biaxially textured layer on a substrate, and articles produced by the methods, are disclosed. An exemplary method may comprise electrodepositing on the substrate a precursor material selected from the group consisting of rare earths, transition metals, actinide, lanthanides, and oxides thereof. An exemplary article (150) may comprise a biaxially textured base material (130), and at least one biaxially textured layer (110) selected from the group consisting of rare earths, transition metals, actinides, lanthanides, and oxides thereof. The at least one biaxially textured layer (110) is formed by electrodeposition on the biaxially textured base material (130).

Abstract: A grinding wheel having hollow particles, along with abrasive grains, fixed by a bonding material. The abrasive grains may be diamond grains. The hollow particles may consist essentially of silica. The bonding material may be electrodeposited nickel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed to various microdevices including sensors, actuators, valves, scanning mirrors, accelerometers, switches, and the like. In some embodiments the devices are formed via electrochemical fabrication (EFAB®).

Abstract: Generating pulsed discharge between an end surface of an electrode 37 and an end face portion of a metallic plate 11, to attrite the electrode 37, to form in the end surface of the electrode 37 a recess 41 conforming to a shape of the end face portion of the metallic plate 11, having the electrode 37 making a relative movement in a direction perpendicular to a lateral side of the metallic plate 11, generating pulsed discharge between an internal side face of the recess 41 of the electrode 37 and a lateral face 11bl (11cl) or 11br (11cr) of the end face portion of the metallic plate 11, to form an auxiliary coat 43 or 45 on the lateral face 11bl (11cl) or 11br (11cr) of the end face portion of the metallic plate 11, and generating pulsed discharge between a bottom face of the recess 41 of the electrode 37 and a top face 11bu (11cu) of the end face portion of the metallic plate 11, to form a cladding layer 47 on the end face portion of the metallic plate 11.

Abstract: An electrochemical-codeposition method for forming a carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced metal nanocomposite includes providing a reaction vessel having an anode and a cathode and a plating solution therein, where the plating solution includes at least one acid, at least one surfactant, a plurality of CNTs, and a plurality of metal cations that include at least one metal. The plating solution has a pH between 2 and 4.5 and at least a portion of the plurality of CNTs are positively charged CNTs in the plating solution. A power supply is connected between the anode and cathode. The positively charged CNTs and metal cations are both electrochemically-codeposited onto the cathode to form the nanocomposite, wherein the metal provides a continuous metal phase for the nanocomposite.

Abstract: Multi-layer fabrication methods (e.g. electrochemical fabrication methods) for forming microscale and mesoscale devices or structures (e.g. turbines) provide bushings or roller bearing that allow rotational or linear motion which is constrained by multiple structural elements spaced from one another by gaps that are effectively less than minimum features sizes associated with the individual layers used to form the structures. In some embodiments, features or protrusions formed on different layers on opposing surfaces are offset along the axis of layer stacking so as to bring the features into positions that are closer than allowed by the minimum features sizes associated with individual layers. In other embodiments, interference is used to create effective spacings that are less than the minimum features sizes.

Abstract: Electrochemical fabrication processes and apparatus for producing multi-layer structures where each layer includes the deposition of at least two materials and wherein the formation of at least some layers including operations for providing coatings of dielectric material that isolate at least portions of a first conductive material from (1) other portions of the first conductive material, (2) a second conductive material, or (3) another dielectric material, and wherein the thickness of the dielectric coatings are thin compared to the thicknesses of the layers used in forming the structures. In some preferred embodiments, portions of each individual layer are encapsulated by dielectric material while in other embodiments only boundaries between distinct regions of materials are isolated from one another by dielectric barriers.

Abstract: A supercapacitor having a metal oxide electrode and a method for preparing the same. The method comprises preparing a substrate composed of a current collector and a titanium dioxide ultrafine fiber matrix layer formed on the current collector, and electrochemically depositing a metal oxide thin film layer onto the substrate by a constant current potentiometry or a cyclic voltammetric method. Since the metal oxide is uniformly deposited on the substrate having a wide specific surface area with the titanium dioxide ultrafine fiber, a bonding material or a conductive particle need not to be added to the capacitor electrode. Therefore, a resistance of the capacitor electrode is prevented from being increased, and thus a capacitance of the capacitor electrode is prevented from being decreased.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for coating a ceramic film on a metal, which can form dense films on various bases of metals such as magnesium alloys. The formed ceramic film has excellent abrasion resistance, causes no significant attack against a counter material, and has excellent corrosion resistance. The method comprises electrolyzing a metallic base in an electrolysis solution using the metallic base as a working electrode while causing glow discharge and/or arc discharge on the surface of the metallic base to form a ceramic film on the surface of the metallic base. The electrolysis solution contains zirconium oxide particles having an average diameter of not more than 1 ?m, satisfies the following formulae (1) to (3): 0.05 g/L?X?500 g/L (1), 0 g/L?Y?500 g/L (2), and 0?Y/X?10 (3); and has a pH value of not less than pH 7.0.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrodeposited film substantially containing no lead, characterized by applying an alloy layer or a simple metal layer with an Hv value of not less than 60 to an under layer, and an alloy layer or a simple metal layer with an Hv value of not more than 40 to an upper layer. This electrodeposited film is harmless to the human body and the environment, and superior in sliding properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electroplating method for filling cavities, through holes, blind holes, or micro blind holes of a work piece with metals. According to said method, the work piece containing cavities, through holes, blind holes, or micro blind holes is brought in contact with a metal deposition electrolyte, and a voltage is applied between the work piece and at least one anode such that a current flow is fed to the work piece. The invention method is characterized in that the electrolyte encompasses a redox system.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit comprising providing a substrate, forming a first layer on the substrate by electrochemical deposition using an electrolyte solution, and converting at least a portion of the first layer into a second layer by electrochemical oxidation using an electrolyte solution, the second layer being an oxide layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a film on a conductive substrate, comprising immersing a substrate having a conductive portion in a solution comprising a metal ion ceramic precursor for the film and a peroxide; applying a voltage potential to the conductive portion with respect to a counter electrode in the solution, sufficient to protect the conductive portion from corrosion by the solution, and drive formation of a film on the substrate, controlling a pH of the solution while limiting a production of hydrogen by electrolysis of the solution proximate to the conductive portion; and maintaining the voltage potential for a sufficient duration to produce a film on the conductive portion. An electrode may be formed over the film to produce an electrical device. The film may be, for example, insulating, dielectric, resistive, semiconductive, magnetic, or ferromagnetic.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell separator, the method including: subjecting the peripheral surfaces other than the respective gas passages of a pair of separator substrates formed from stainless steel to a cathodic electrolytic treatment within an alkali solution, thereby forming an iron-based hydrated oxide film on the peripheral surfaces of the pair of separator substrates (S200), conducting a water treatment by wetting the surface of the iron-based hydrated oxide film with water (S202), performing electrodeposition coating of an electrocoating material containing an aqueous resin onto at least one of the water-treated iron-based hydrated oxide films provided on the pair of separator substrates (S204), and baking the aqueous resin obtained by electrodeposition coating (S206).

Abstract: The invention provides a composite material for an electric and electronic component, formed by punching, followed by bending. The composite material includes a metallic base material, an insulating film having a substantially single-layer structure provided on at least a part of the metallic base material, and a metal layer provided between the metallic base material and the insulating film so that a peeling width of the insulating film at the end of the material after punching is less than 10 ?m. After bending, the adhesion of the insulating film on the inner side of the bent material is retained. The invention also provides the electric and electronic component using the composite material, and a method for manufacturing the composite material for the electric and electronic component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a current collector including a base portion with a flat face, primary projections projecting from the flat face, and secondary projections projecting from the top of the primary projections. The present invention also relates to a current collector including a base portion with a flat face and primary projections projecting from the flat face, wherein the roughening rate of the top of the primary projections is 3 to 20. By using such a current collector, separation of the active material from the current collector can be inhibited when using an active material that has a high capacity but undergoes a large expansion at the time of lithium ion absorption.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer alloy coating film capable of maintaining heat resistance, high-temperature oxidation resistance and creep resistance for a long time even in an ultra high temperature environment. The multilayer alloy coating film comprises a barrier layer formed on a base surface, and an aluminum reservoir layer formed on the barrier layer and composed of an alloy containing Al. The barrier layer comprises an inner sacrificial barrier layer composed of an alloy containing Re, an inner stabilization layer formed on the inner sacrificial barrier layer, a diffusion barrier layer formed on the inner stabilization layer and composed of an alloy containing Re, an outer stabilization layer formed on the diffusion barrier layer, and an outer sacrificial barrier layer formed on the outer stabilization layer and composed of an alloy containing Re.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for forming a multi-layer coating film, which can combine a pre-treating step conducted for a metal substrate, before electrodeposition coating, and an electrodeposition coating step. The method comprises: a step of dipping a material to be coated in an aqueous coating composition comprising (A) a rare earth metal compound, (B) a base resin having a cationic group, and (C) a curing agent, wherein a content of the rare earth metal compound (A) in the aqueous coating composition is limited to specific range; a pre-treating step of applying a voltage of less than 50 V in the aqueous coating composition, wherein the material to be coated is used as a cathode; and an electrodeposition coating of applying a voltage of 50 to 450 V in the aqueous coating composition, wherein the material to be coated is used as a cathode.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor having a capacitor element produced by the steps of: forming a dielectric coating layer on the surface of an anode body, forming a conductive polymer cathode layer on the dielectric coating layer, and forming a cathode lead-out layer on the conductive polymer cathode layer, wherein the step of forming the conductive polymer cathode layer includes an electrolytic polymerization step of forming the conductive polymer cathode layer on the surface of the anode body on which the dielectric coating layer is formed by electrolytic polymerization using an electrolytic polymerization solution containing at least a monomer to be polymerized into the conductive polymer and an ionic liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanowire sensor and method for forming the same. More specifically, the nanowire sensor comprises at least one nanowire formed on a substrate, with a sensor receptor disposed on a surface of the nanowire, thereby forming a receptor-coated nanowire. The nanowire sensor can be arranged as a sensor sub-unit comprising a plurality of homogeneously receptor-coated nanowires. A plurality of sensor subunits can be formed to collectively comprise a nanowire sensor array. Each sensor subunit in the nanowire sensor array can be formed to sense a different stimulus, allowing a user to sense a plurality of stimuli. Additionally, each sensor subunit can be formed to sense the same stimuli through different aspects of the stimulus. The sensor array is fabricated through a variety of techniques, such as by creating nanopores on a substrate and electrodepositing nanowires within the nanopores.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide processes and apparatus for electrochemically fabricating multilayer structures (e.g. mesoscale or microscale structures) with improved endpoint detection and parallelism maintenance for materials (e.g. layers) that are planarized during the electrochemical fabrication process. Some methods involve the use of a fixture during planarization that ensures that planarized planes of material are parallel to other deposited planes within a given tolerance. Some methods involve the use of an endpoint detection fixture that ensures precise heights of deposited materials relative to an initial surface of a substrate, relative to a first deposited layer, or relative to some other layer formed during the fabrication process. In some embodiments planarization may occur via lapping while other embodiments may use a diamond fly cutting machine.