PLATING SOLUTION TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

COPPER ACID, HIGH-SPEED 5260

PLATING SOLUTION OPERATING DATA

Factor 0.00080 Metric 130 U.S.
Average Current Density 1.24 amp/cm² 8 amp/in²
Maximum Current Density 1.90 amp/cm² 12 amp/in²
Voltage Range 6 to 20
Maximum Recommended Usage 40 Amp-hr per liter 170 Amp-hr per gallon
Optimum Anode-to-Cathode Speed 23 MPM 75 FPM
Plating Solution Temperature 16 - 49 °C 60 - 120 °F
Maximum Thickness in One Layer 500 microns 0.020 in.
White TuffWrap 100 Red TuffWrap 160
Average Hardness
Vickers Vickers
Plating Rate 1538 µm/hr 0.062 in./hr
Metal Content 100 g/l
pH 1.0
Ease of Use Easy
Recommended Shelf Life 4 year

PREPLATE REQUIREMENTS
Base Material
Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
Copper and Copper Alloys
Iron, Steel, Cast Iron
Nickel and Nickel Alloys
Stainless Steel
Zinc and Zinc Alloys
Preplate
2080/5600 followed by 5305
2080/5600 followed by 5305
or
5630 followed by 5305
2080/5600 followed by 5305
or
5630 followed by 5305
2080/5600 followed by 5305
or
5630 followed by 5305
2080/5600 followed by 5305
or
5630 followed by 5305
5305

COVER MATERIAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Cotton Batting, Cotton Sleeving, Polyester Sleeving, Cotton Jacket, Polyester Jacket, White TuffWrap,
Red TuffWrap, Purple TuffWrap

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GENERAL PLATING CHARACTERISTICS
The Copper Acid, High-Speed 5260 is a constant factor solution. If the deposit is not burned, a certain number
of amp-hr will deposit a certain amount of plating regardless of plating conditions. The solution plates well at
room temperature. Heating the solution has no significant effect on plating characteristics or deposit quality.

The solution plates only three types of deposits, i.e. a good, matte, clean copper deposit at proper current
densities, a rust-colored "burned" deposit, or a shiny deposit at excessive current densities. The deposit,
therefore, is best plated at a voltage or current density just below the point where burned or shiny deposits are
obtained.

The microhardness varies with cover material. If white TuffWrap is used the deposit will have an average
microhardness of 110 Vickers. If red TuffWrap is used the average microhardness is 160 Vickers.

NOTES PRIOR TO PLATING

1. Solution is corrosive: mask steel, aluminum, etc. carefully.

VOLTAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEW APPLICATIONS

Start at 6 volts and raise in 1 volt increments until dark red-brown, "rust-colored" burned deposits, or shiny
deposits are first noted at masked edges or corners. Back off 1 volt and continue plating.

DESIRED APPEARANCE OF DEPOSIT

Clean copper-colored and matte deposit.
UNDESIRABLE APPEARANCE OF DEPOSIT
Dark red-brown "rust-colored" deposit which indicates burning, or a shiny, bright, copper deposit which darkens
in a few seconds to a black color.
Corrective Action: Decrease voltage, increase anode-to-cathode speed, and/or supply more solution to the
work area, such as by dipping more often, pumping more solution and/or switching to unused solution.
REACTIVATION OF DEPOSIT
Visual Test and
Step Operation Material Volts Polarity
Comments
Electrocleaning No water breaks after
1 Electroclean 10 to 20 Forward
1010/4100 following water rinse.
2 Rinse Clean Tap Water ---- ---- No water breaks.
Uniform, clean matte
No. 3 Etching and Desmutting
3 Prewet & Etch 10 to 15 Reverse etched copper
1023 or 4350
surface.
4 Rinse Clean Tap Water ---- ---- ----
Nickel Acid Uniform nickel-color
5 Prewet & Preplate 8 to 15 Forward
2080/5600 or 5630 surface is noted.
6 Rinse Clean Tap Water ---- ---- ----
Copper XHB Uniform copper-color
7 Prewet & Preplate 4 to 8 Forward
5305 surface is noted.
8 Rinse Clean Tap Water ---- ---- ----
Increase amperage
Copper Acid, High-Speed
9 Plate Start at 6 Forward until desired current
5260
density is obtained.

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