Electroforming, a process for the production of nickel metal micro-parts

Choose electroforming, also called electro-deposition, for the production of high precision, nickel metal micro-parts.

This method of production provides perfect cutting quality for producing microscopic openings.

With this technique, we can manufacture your metal parts with very complex shapes with very small size openings.

Production of metal parts using the electrodeposition process

Electrodeposition is a galvanic process which allows us to electrolytically deposit and selectively grow layers of pure metal atoms on a resin coated substrate, bearing the image of the parts to produce.

This additive fabrication process with micrometric accuracy, involving the development of metal parts, atom-by-atom for absolute precision and elevated proportions, comes in two variants: by over-growth or a thick resin.

Electroforming, over-growth process

metal part by over-growth electroforming

Electrodeposition by over-growth consists of depositing onto a substrate called a matrix, a several µm thin photosensitive resin and allowing growth to continue above its thickness, conferring a very specific, so called “mushroom” profile to the openings in the electrodeposited materials .

The edges of the parts have a pronounced radius of curvature.

Electroforming, thick resin process

metal part by thick resin electroforming

Electroforming by thick resin can go up to several hundreds of µ, and is a growth process which will be stopped within the resin walls, producing rectilinear profiles on your metal parts.

Production of metal parts by electrodeposition, characteristics

With such a process, you can increase the precision of your nickel metal parts as well as their tolerance, their profitability and their ability to resist very high temperatures.

Production of metal parts by electrodeposition, advantage compared to other processes

metal part by thick resin electroforming

Apart from the low cost of tooling investment (high resolution film or glass mask), electrodeposition has many advantages for the production of precision parts in nickel, such as filtering products or sugar screens, whether for small series or mass production.

Electroforming is a very profitable method for prototyping for small or very large series production.

It is an ideal process for low cost, high volume production.

Electroforming, key advantages

High dimensional precision
High opening density
Perfect edges
Micrometric holes
Free and/or complex part profiles
As desired opening shapes
Anti-clogging profiles
Absence of burrs and internal stresses
Mirror polished surface finish
High aspect ratio
Rectilinear or draft angle walls
Perfect straightness of edge generatrices
Atom-by-atom additive fabrication process
High mechanical resistance
Extended service life
Ease of cleaning
Reduced maintenance

Electroforming, for which products

metal parts by electroforming - coffee disc

Disque à café

Here are several examples of products produced by the electrodeposition process:

Sugar screens
Filtering sieves
Leadframes
Nebulizers
Ink-jet nozzle plates
Coffee disc and filters
Stratification plates
Encoder discs
Electroformed stencils
Solar cell stencils
Throughput discs
Reticles
Endoscope parts

Reticle

Coffee filter

Endoscope