Metrohm has developed ion chromatography (IC) methods for measuring the acid profile of the different acids usually present in typical plating bath solutions - usually HF, HNO3 or H2SO4.
The method requires a simple dilution followed by injection into the 883 Basic IC plus from Metrohm with typical analysis times of less than 20 minutes.
The intuitive nature of the MagIC Net Basic software means the instrument can be run by a shift operator with a few mouse clicks.
Historically, the plating bath analysis was often performed using a manual wet titration to determine the acid content, which was often subjective for semi-skilled personnel and open to errors and costs.
IC is a robust technique that allows for more accurate and tighter control over the profile of acid content that usually results in considerable cost savings as the bath is more carefully controlled and necessary acid additions made only when required.
Plating bath solutions are used typically in many industrial processes as a final cleaning stage prior to plating to remove the surface oxides and other contaminants.
In addition, the metal surface is activated ready for plating and a light etch is achieved that helps provide a better adhesion to the substrate material.
The 883 Basic IC plus costs GBP13,999 and this price includes installation and training on the user's application on site.
The instrument comes with a three-year warranty as standard and its robust nature ensures that any maintenance is cost effective.
The user is notified through the software of any required action that needs to be taken.
The use of control charts within the software mean that the acid content can easily profiled over a period of time and should it fall outside of a defined tolerance than the user is notified immediately.