Copper Electroplating: Process & Applications

Copper is chosen for a lot of properties it offers– its malleable nature, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance. However, applications that need these properties and strength at the same time might find copper to be a choice that is not suitable.

Copper electroplating adds a layer of protection to components, making them strong. Hence, it then caters to applications requiring corrosion resistance and strength. If you want to learn about the copper electroplating process and its types of applications, read the guide below.

What is Copper Electroplating?

Electroplating is a process in which metal ions are reduced in an electrolyte by an electric current and deposited on the surface of a substrate. Copper electroplating is a process that creates a layer of copper coating on the surface of metals. The process takes place in an electrolyte bath. It is an electrochemical process in which the cathode and anode attract charges from the electrolyte.

Electroplating is widely used in multiple industries due to the benefits it offers. Copper's benefits are known by its conductivity and corrosion resistance.

How Does it Work?

The process of copper electroplating involves a pure copper wire. This copper wire works like an anode, and then the product on which the plating is carried out acts as a cathode.

The electrolyte solution allows the copper particles to deposit on the cathode. Electricity flows through the electrolyte solution and deposits the copper particles.

Benefits of Copper Electroplating

Copper electroplating offers multiple benefits, and the major benefits offered by this process are as follows:

Durabilité

Copper electroplating enhances the durability of the components, and they can be used in the longer run for different applications. Moreover, these components are enhanced with copper mechanical properties, making them suitable for twisting and bending as required.

Protection Against Corrosion

Copper is a highly corrosion-resistant material. Due to its corrosion resistance, it is opted for electroplating as the layer of copper deposited on components makes it corrosion resistant. Hence, even if they are exposed to harsh environments, they last longer without corroding.

Excellent Conductivity

Copper conducts heat and electricity very well; hence, it is quite popular in electronic applications. Even if the component does not offer electrical or heat conductivity, the layer of copper can make it one.

Improved Antibacterial Properties

Copper is used in labs for their ability to resist bacteria. Copper is known for its excellent antibacterial properties. Hence, the need for disinfecting the surface and containers having copper is not needed.

Abordable

Copper electroplating enhances the properties of the core metal in a commendable way, yet it is also affordable. The copper sulfate solution used as an electrolyte is very easy to use, readily available, and cheaper.

Major Copper Electroplating Techniques

The process of copper electroplating can be achieved through different techniques, and some of these techniques for electroplating copper are as follows:

Dual Damascene Technique

This method of electroplating is suitable for applications where some of the features are prioritized during the process. It is usually used for components that are small in size and need different resistance and conductivity for their performance.

During this method, bottom-up plating is done by accelerants, suppressors and levelers with their combined performance.

During the process, the levelers are present on the top so that the copper ions remain there. Meanwhile, the side walls have suppressants that reduce the deposition of copper.

Through Silicon Via Plating

The technique of silicon via plating method is the same as the dual damascene method. It is relatively slow and is suitable for larger features and not the smaller ones.

In this process, the levelers and suppressors work in combination, which reduces the rate of deposition on the sides. The accelerators allow with bottom-up filing. It is a time-consuming process, and hence, the accelerant concentration is low at the bottom.

Copper Pillar Plating

The copper pillar plating process takes a lot of time and also has complexities. It requires you to ensure that the part delivers a high rate of plating and also ensures the coplanarity.

The plating process provides for the perfect thickness on the surface, and the setup also requires spinning the component. This rotation allows for achieving consistent results.

Different Types of Copper Electroplating

There are different types of copper electroplating, and the three main types of copper electroplating are as follows:

Acid Copper Plating

Acid copper plating is a common type of copper electroplating. It uses sulfuric acid electrolytes, which help with quick deposition and high conductivity of the component. The acid copper plating provides a bright and smooth finish, enhancing the aesthetics of the component.

Alkaline Copper Plating

Alkaline copper plating uses an alkaline solution to deposit the copper layer. The rate of plating is slow in alkaline copper plating compared to acid plating. It offers uniformity and adhesion, and it enhances the functional performance of the component.

Electroless Copper Plating

Electroless copper plating is a non-electrolytic process that does not pass any electric current. This process reduces the deposit of copper ions on the surface of the copper and is used mostly for PCB where a consistent copper layer is required.

Applications of Copper Electroplating

The process of copper plating is widely opted for a range of applications. Some of the industries where copper plating is mostly opted for are the following:

Automobile

Le automobile industry requires copper-plated components of electronic systems, which include wiring and some internal components.

The electric vehicles are mostly reliant on copper-plated components in the automobile sector. The performance and durability of the vehicles are enhanced with the help of components with a copper layer.

Électronique

Electronic components like relays and circuit boards tend to use copper due to the high conductivity of electricity it offers.

Copper also ensures better heat conductors and the electronic components require ways to reduce overheating. Hence, these days, electronic components are made of copper plating to manage heat dissipation.

Electric Wiring

Electric wiring is manufactured using copper, and it offers malleability as well as electrical conductivity. Hence, it offers flexibility and transmission capabilities to perform the desired electrical operations.

Renewable Energy

Copper is a very good conductor of electricity and is also affordable. Hence, renewable energy also utilizes copper electroplating to reduce transmission loss. Solar panels are even equipped with copper plating to reduce the cost of the project.

Get Aesthetic Metal Parts with DEK’s Surface Finishing Services

If you are working on a new project, the components can be easily equipped with a copper layer using our surface finishing processes at DEK. We ensure consistency, high quality, and affordability. So, get in touch with us today and make the best use of our services.

Conclusion

Surface finishing processes are meant to enhance the properties of metal components. Copper electroplating is a very seamless finishing process. It caters to various industries and involves different techniques.

You must have learned about the process and applications of copper electroplating to help you choose it for your upcoming projects.