Accuracy and detail capture in one-off electroforms and the role of the metallising process

Summary

Detail capture and dimensional stability obtainable in one—off electroforms, based on elastomeric impression mould mandrels, is reported. Details of 6μm, possibly as small as 1μm, can becaptured. Dimensional accuracy of 0.1% was also obtained, though this is largely a function of the elastomeric material itself. The metallisation process is crucial in this, and the effect of morphology of the silver metallising powders on results is shown. It is found that the metallised surface of the elastomer as prepared is not itself electronically conducting and the initial stages of the electroforming sequence constitute an “infilling” process which transforms the surface film into a conductive layer.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

A. T. Kuhn

Dr. Anselm T. Kuhn graduated at Balliol College Oxford in 1959 (BSc Hons Chem) and obtained his DPhil degree there in 1962. He has since worked in the areas of electrochemistry, corrosion and biomaterials at Sal ford and London Universities, with periods in industry. He is the author of some 180 papers in these fields.

E. H. Davies

Mr. Edward H. Davies started work in 1944 as an electrical engineering laboratory assistant. He then served in the RAF Technical branch for two years. Since 1950 he has worked in the area of Materials Science, having studied Laboratory technology with specialised physics. He is the author of some 40 papers in the field of Materials Science.