Troubleshooting Copper Cyanide

Troubleshooting Cyanide Copper Plating Solutions

1. Poor Adhesion or Peeling of Copper Plating

1.1 High Free Cyanide Levels

• Analyze and adjust free cyanide levels to an appropriate range.

1.2 Low Free Cyanide Levels

• Check for polarization at the anode or cathode and green sludge on the cathode.

• In severe cases, the solution may turn blue.

• Clean the anode or cathode and the anode's cloth bags frequently.

2. Rough or Dull Red Plating

2.1 Excessive Current

• Reduce the current.

2.2 Overloaded Plating Tank

• Reduce the number of workpieces in the tank.

2.3 Organic Contamination

• Filter the solution with carbon powder or clean the plating tank.

3. Non-Smooth or Rough Plating

3.1 Suspended Dirt and Debris

• Filter the solution with carbon powder or clean the plating tank.

3.2 Low Cyanide Levels

• Gradually add cyanide to adjust the concentration.

4. Cloudy Plating Solution

4.1 Lack of Free Cyanide

• Add cyanide to achieve the appropriate level of free cyanide.

5. Crystals on Anodes or Cathodes

5.1 Excess Carbonate Formation

• Filter the solution or clean the plating tank.

6. Poor Adhesion and Excessive Gas Bubbling on Workpieces

6.1 Low Copper or High Free Cyanide Levels

• Adjust the copper and free cyanide levels accordingly.

7. Shiny or Crystalline Deposits on Anodes or Cathodes

7.1 High Free Cyanide Levels

• Adjust the copper and free cyanide levels accordingly.

8. Black Deposits on Anodes or Cathodes

8.1 Polarization and Lead Contamination

• Perform a dummy run and add sodium sulfide (0.39 g/L) to the solution.

• Mix and filter the solution to remove lead sulfide precipitates.

9. No Plating Adhesion

9.1 Incorrect Current

• Check and adjust the current used.

9.2 Chromium Contamination

• Prepare a new solution.

9.3 Excess Free Cyanide Levels

• Adjust the free cyanide levels accordingly.

9.4 Dirty Workpieces

• Clean the workpieces thoroughly before plating.