Electroforming

• Production of a mold or substrate (mandrel, etc.)
• Electroplating of the mold (Ni, Cu, Au, etc.)
• Separation of the self-supporting electroplated layer (up to mm thick)

The expertise in this technique lies in the release layer between the mold and the

electroplated layer, as well as the low-stress deposition of the metal layer.

Hartchrom-Beck produces the molds according to customer specifications using 3D printing.

Subsequently, an electroformed prototype is produced to verify the technical feasibility.

Once all requirements are successfully met, molds with a higher

surface quality are manufactured from aluminum or stainless steel.

Advantages:

• The mandrel can be used repeatedly without compromising quality (up to more than 10 times, depending on the process).

• Through the replication process, the surface of the mandrel can be modified relatively easily. After electroforming, the "optical information" is then located on the inside of the mirror.

• The transfer quality reaches into the nm range, allowing for the production of X-ray mirrors, holograms, optical gratings, etc. When replicating 3D-printed bodies, the individual layers of the 3D printer are copied (see illustration below).

• Dimensions range from the µm range (LIGA technique) to the meter range. Layer thicknesses range from the µm to the mm range.

• In the galvanic process, metals with melting points exceeding 1000 °C are deposited at near room temperature (RT).

• The mechanical properties closely match those of metallurgically produced metals.

Schedule a consultation appointment

Do you need personal consultation?

If you have any questions about our company in Güglingen-Frauenzimmern or require hard chrome plating, feel free to call us or use our contact form.

Our team looks forward to providing you with personal consultation.