Jane Kits Plating Manual

The Jane Kits Plating Manual provides comprehensive guidance for electroplating processes using Jane Kits plating systems. This manual covers safety protocols, equipment setup, chemical preparation, plating techniques, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures for various metal plating applications including gold, silver, nickel, and copper plating.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Power supply unit, plating tanks, anode baskets, rectifier controls, temperature control system, filtration units.

Feature	Description
Power Supply	Digital rectifier with voltage/current regulation
Plating Tanks	Polypropylene construction with heating elements
Anode System	Basket design for efficient metal distribution
Temperature Control	Digital thermostat with ±1°C accuracy
Filtration System	Continuous solution filtration and purification
Safety Features	Overload protection, ground fault detection
Control Panel	Digital display for voltage, current, time
Agitation System	Mechanical or air agitation options
pH Monitoring	Integrated pH sensor and display
Timer Function	Programmable plating cycle timing

Safety Guidelines

Essential safety protocols for plating operations.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear gloves, safety goggles, and lab coat.
2. Ventilation: Ensure adequate fume extraction in plating area.
3. Chemical Handling: Follow MSDS guidelines for all plating chemicals.
4. Electrical Safety: Ground all equipment; avoid water near electrical components.
5. Emergency Procedures: Know location of eyewash stations and fire extinguishers.

WARNING! Chemicals can cause severe burns; always handle with care. Never mix acids and bases directly.

Equipment Setup

Proper installation and assembly of plating equipment.

1. Unpack and inspect all components for damage.
2. Position plating tank on level, stable surface near power outlet.
3. Connect power supply to tank and ground properly.
4. Install filtration system and connect hoses.
5. Set up ventilation system above plating area.
6. Calibrate temperature and pH sensors.

CAUTION! Ensure all electrical connections are dry and secure before powering on.

Chemical Preparation

• Solution Mixing: Always add acid to water, never water to acid.
• Concentration: Follow recommended chemical concentrations for each plating process.
• Temperature: Maintain solution temperature within specified ranges.
• pH Levels: Regular monitoring and adjustment of pH values.
• Filtration: Continuous filtration to remove impurities.
• Analysis: Regular chemical analysis and replenishment.
• Storage: Proper chemical storage in labeled, sealed containers.
• Disposal: Follow local regulations for chemical waste disposal.

Plating Procedures

Step-by-step plating process for various metals.

Standard Plating Cycle: Cleaning → Rinsing → Activation → Plating → Rinsing → Drying

Gold Plating: Use alkaline gold solutions at 55-65°C, current density 0.1-0.5 A/dm². Silver Plating: Cyanide or non-cyanide solutions at room temperature. Nickel Plating: Watts bath at 45-60°C, pH 3.5-4.5. Copper Plating: Acid copper at 20-30°C, high throwing power.

Quality Control

Maintaining consistent plating quality and thickness.

1. Pre-plating inspection of substrate surface.
2. Monitor solution composition and temperature.
3. Regular thickness testing using XRF or coulometric methods.
4. Adhesion testing per ASTM standards.
5. Visual inspection for defects and uniformity.
6. Document all quality control measurements.

Tip: Maintain detailed records of all plating parameters for traceability.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance schedule for optimal performance.

1. Daily: Check solution levels and temperature.
2. Weekly: Clean anode baskets and replace anodes.
3. Monthly: Service filtration system and pumps.
4. Quarterly: Calibrate all sensors and instruments.
5. Annually: Comprehensive system inspection and maintenance.

WARNING! Always disconnect power before performing maintenance. Use appropriate PPE.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Poor adhesion	Inadequate cleaning	Improve pre-cleaning process; check activation step
Rough deposit	Contaminated solution	Filter solution; check anode purity
Burning at high current	Insufficient agitation	Increase agitation; reduce current density
Dull deposits	Organic contamination	Carbon treat solution; check brightener levels
Uneven plating	Poor racking/anode placement	Adjust anode-to-cathode distance; use thieves

Reset: Power cycle equipment if digital controls malfunction.

Technical Specifications

• Power Supply: 0-30V DC, 0-10A output
• Tank Capacity: 10-50 liters depending on model
• Temperature Range: 20-80°C ±1°C
• Heating Power: 1000-3000W titanium heaters
• Filtration Rate: 5-20 turnovers per hour
• Agitation: Mechanical or air agitation options
• Controls: Digital microprocessor with memory
• Construction: Polypropylene, CPVC, titanium components

Regulatory Compliance

Jane Kits plating systems comply with OSHA safety standards, EPA regulations for chemical handling, and international electrical safety standards (UL, CE). All equipment meets RoHS and REACH compliance for hazardous substances. Proper waste disposal procedures must follow local environmental regulations.

Support & Contact

For technical support, spare parts, or additional training:

Technical Support: 1-800-JANE-KITS

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.janekits.com

Service Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST

Emergency after-hours support available for critical issues.