Electrodeposition
Electrodeposition is a long standing and highly valuable manufacturing process used to alter surface properties of optical components.
Also known as electroplating, electrodeposition is a process where a metal component is overlayed with another type of metal through ion exchange in order to modify its surface properties. Optiforms primarily uses electroplating to enhance reflectivity of precision optical components.
GROOVES AND BLIND HOLES
PINS, FINS, AND RIBS
V-GROOVES AND SHARP PROTRUSIONS
DEEP SCOOPS AND LARGE PROTRUSIONS
SHALLOW FEATURES ARE EASIER TO CONTROL FOR THICKNESS AND UNIFORMITY
BLIND HOLES ARE TYPICALLY EXEMPT FROM MINIMUM THICKNESS REQUIREMENTS
DEEP AND NARROW FEATURES ARE DIFFICUlT TO CONTROL AND OFTEN REQUIRE SPECIAL MEASURES TO ACHIEVE TARGET THICKNESS.
WIDE FEATURES ARE EASIER TO CONTROL FOR THICKNESS AND UNIFORMITY
HIGH CURRENT DENSITY AREAS TEND TO PLATE THICKER
LOW CURRENT DENSITY AREAS WILL PLATE THIN
TALL AND NARROW FEATURES ARE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND OFTEN REQUIRE SPECIAL MEASURES TO ACHIEVE TARGET THICKNESS
SHARP GROOVES ARE TO BE AVOIDED IF POSSIBLE
SHARP PROTRUSIONS SHOULD HAVE GENEROUS RADII TO AVOID EXCESS BUILDUP
DEEP SCOOPS AND CUT-OUTS TAKE MUCH LONGER TO BUILD UP
LARGE PROTRUSIONS ROB MATERIAL FROM SURROUNDING FEATURES