subject: Using A Plating Rectifier [print this page] Nickel plating rectifiers, or rectifiers for any other type of metal plating for that matter, are ready to be programmed for the ability to control and alter different currents for any plating project need. For example, these currents can be distributed in milliamps or instead go up to one thousand amperes. The current can be sent to the connections as either forward, pulsed or reversed currents or these can come in different combinations. Think about the abilities these can offer the at home plater. The amount of control is essential to a confident plating project.
Rectifiers that can deliver currents in all these different styles and patterns will, of course, be more expensive than the single stage rectifiers but the extra cost can be worth it. Its something every plater will have to decide on their own based on the quantity of material they want to put out and the amount of money they are willing to invest in any single project. It could be that an at-home plater is able to sell some of their project materials and relies heavily on quality control that a plating rectifier can offer.
Many platers that are working out of their garage may not want to invest in the extra equipment but over time that may change. Simple basic rectifiers are not all that expensive and can be purchased for less than one hundred dollars. This is a simple design but can help keep a project on track and save time and money on materials.
Some extra tips for using a rectifier include keeping the rectifier close enough to the tank of solution in order to limit the loss of current but far enough away so that if the rectifier is fan cooled that it will not be constantly drawing in corrosives from the bath into the unit. Metal salts can cause problems with equipment so dont keep the rectifier too close. If air cooling is not working correctly then its possible to go with a water cooled unit. The water cooled units are air tight and wont allow vapors to flow through the insides of the component. Rectifiers should always be kept at a cool enough level since overheating can severely limit the ability of any rectifier to deliver smooth, consistent power.
Rectifiers for electroplating have no moving parts other than a cooling fan if it is air cooled. For this reason these units can last for a very long time if they are maintained correctly by changing or cleaning filters regularly.
