Orbital-abrasion-assisted Electroforming of Non-rotating Parts

A novel technique of electroforming with orbital moving cathode was carried out for the fabrication of non-rotating thin-walled parts.This technique features a large number of insulating and insoluble hard particles as a real-time polishing to the cathode.When cathode moves,hard particles polish its surface and provide the nickel non-rotating parts with near-mirror finishing.Morphology,microstructure,surface roughness and micro hardness of deposits fabricated by novel method were studied in contrast with the sample produced by traditional electroforming methods.Theoretical analysis and experimental results showed that the novel technique could effectively remove the hydrogen bubbles and nodules,disturb the crystal nucleation,and refine the grains of layer.The mechanical properties were significantly improved over traditional method.The micro-hardness of the layer was in a uniform distribution ranging from 345 HV to 360 HV.It was confirmed that this technique had practical significance to non-rotating thin-walled parts.

Manufacture of μ-PIM gear mold by electroforming of Fe-Ni and Fe-Ni W alloys

The micro gear mold for powder injection molding was made by electroforming process of Fe-Ni and Fe-Ni-W alloys using UV-lithography process. Kinetics and activation energies in electroplating of both alloys were investigated to determine the best process conditions. Fe content within electrodeposited Fe-Ni alloys increased with the increase of rotating disk speed and the decrease of temperature and it is considered from the calculated activation energy of iron content that the rate determining step is controlled by mass transfer. Iron content in Fe-Ni electrodeposit varied from 58.33% to 70.45% by increasing current density from 2 to 6 A/drn2. Also, iron content in Fe-Ni-W electrodeposit increased from 59.32% to 70.15%, nickel content decreased from 27.86% to 17.07% and the content of tungsten was almost consistent in the range of 12.78%-12.82% although the current density increases from 1.5 to 5 A/dm^2. For the electroforming of micro gear mold, SU-8 mandrel with 550 μm in diameter and 400 μm in height was prepared by UV-lithography processing. Subsequently, Fe-36Ni and Fe-20Ni-13W alloys micro gear molds were electroformed successfully. Surface hardness values of the electroformed micro molds were measured to be HV490 and HV645, respectively.

Improvement of thickness deposition uniformity in nickel electroforming for micro mold inserts

Thickness deposition is a crucial issue on the application of electroformed micro mold inserts. Edge concentration effect is the main source of the non-uniformity. The techniques of adopting a non-conducting shield, a secondary electrode and a movable cathode were explored to improve the thickness deposition uniformity during the nickel electroforming process. Regarding these techniques, a micro electroforming system with a movable cathode was particularly developed. The thickness variation of a 16 mm×16 mm electroformed sample decreased respectively from 150% to 35%, 12% and 18% by these three techniques. Combining these validated methods, anickelmold insert for microlens array was electroformed with satisfactory mechanical properties and high replication precision. It could be applied to the following injection molding process.

Abrasive-assisted Nickel Electroforming Process with Moving Cathode

In traditional electroforming process for revolving parts with complex profiles, the drawbacks on surface of deposits, such as pinholes and nodules, will lead to varying physical and mechanical properties on different parts of electroformed components. To solve the problem, compositely moving cathode is employed in abrasive-assisted electroforming of revolving parts with complicated profiles. The cathode translates and rotates simultaneously to achieve uniform friction effect on deposits without drawbacks. The influences of current density and transla- tion speed on the microstructure and properties of the electroformed nickel layers are investigated. It is found that abrasive-assisted electroforming with compound cathode motion can effectively remove the pinholes and nodules, positively affect the crystal nucleation, and refine the grains of layer. The increase of current density will lead to coarse microstructure and lower micro hardness, from 325 HV down to 189 HV. While, faster translational linear speed produces better surface quality and higher micro hardness, from 236 HV up to 283 HV. The weld-ability of the electroformed layers are also studied through the metallurgical analysis of welded joints between nickel layer and 304 stainless steel. The electrodeposited nickel layer shows fine performance in welding. The novel compound motion of cathode promotes the mechanical properties and refines the microstructure of deposited layer.

Microstructure of Co-Ni-Al2O3 Composite Coatings by Electroforming

The metal matrix composite coatings of Co-Ni-Al2O3 were studied by electrolytic codeposition of Co-Ni alloys and Al2O3 on a Cu substrate from a sulfamate electrolyte containing Al2O3 particles. It was illustrated from the examined results of SEM, AFM and XRD that surface morphology and microstructure of Co-Ni-Al2O3 coatings appear to be mainly influenced by variations in Co content. The high Co content coatings with hcp lattice structure have a more uniform and fine structure than that of low Co content coatings with fcc lattice structure. The codeposition of Al2O3 particles in Co-Ni alloys can not change the phase structure of solid solution, only affects the growth and orientation of crystal planes and mostly increase the d value of lattice.

Pulse electroforming of nickel under perturbation of hard particles

Nickel deposits were prepared by pulse electroforming, in which an aluminium alloy cylinder mandrel rotated in hard particles filling between the electrodes. The microstructure and properties of the deposits were studied by contrasting with electroforming using direct current. The results show that the surface of the deposits obtained by pulse electroforming displays more obvious abrasion marks and (200) preferred orientation to that electroformed using direct current at the same average current density. Besides, the deposits represent higher microhardness and better high-temperature corrosion resistance. It is also found that the orientation index of plane (200) and microhardness significantly increase with the reduction of duty cycle of pulse current. During pulse electroforming, the longer off-time and higher peak current density are helpful to strengthening the hard particles’ polishing effect on the surface of deposits and perturbing effect on crystal nucleation of atoms.

Electroforming of a Complex Mould Using an Acid-Mediated Copper Sulphate Bath

This work reports a procedure for the fabrication of a complex mould using the technique of electroforming. This was with a view to finding a cheaper and less labour-intensive mould production route practicable locally. A Plaster of Paris electroforming mandrel in the shape of a water bottle was produced and made electrically conducting with a layer of copper conducting paint. Considerations for electroform removal were made by applying a thin, chloroform-dissolvable epoxy layer beneath the conducting copper paint. Uniformity of deposition on the mandrel was accomplished with the construction of a special deposition bath with multiple copper anodes around its perimeter. The electroforming was done in the galvanostatic electro deposition mode for about 240 hrs in a 1 M Cu2SO4 bath with the deposition of elemental copper on the mandrel. Incidences of rising bath pH were mediated with concentrated H2SO4. A free-standing electroform representing the mould cavity was formed in the deposition. The product so formed was a reproduction of the net-shape of the mandrel exhibiting smooth surface finish. The electroforming was cast with an aluminum backing layer to complete its transformation into a split mould. The finished mould was comparable in appearance to the imported moulds in terms of appearance and reproduction of intricate surface patterns. The simplicity and low cost of this method significantly reduced the requirements for expensive instrumentation and highly skilled labour for mould production.

Applying the electroforming process to bio-inspired architecture： The case of Castelbuono Estate Winery

Inaugurated in June 2012, the Carapace at Castelbuono Estate Winery in Italy is a highly interesting example of biomorphic architecture. The structure, an artistic creation of world-renowned sculptor Arnatdo Pomodoro, is reminiscent of a tortoise shell that conveys a sense of protection： the Carapace structure guards wine barriques in the same way that the tortoise carapace protects the animal. Zoomorphic aspects are further exhibited by symbots on the roof, which remind observers of cuttlefish bone, a recurring element in the artistic production of Maestro Pomodoro. The roof was constructed by assembly of single copper plates with a rough surface in accordance with the design of the artist. Therefore, determining the appropriate production process was crucial. Etectroforming was selected as the method to achieve a challenging architectural goal.

Research on Bipolar Pulse Current Electroforming in Precision Molds and Dies

Electroforming is a specialised electroplating process for the manufacture of precision metal parts and mold tooling. Because it can simplify technical process and shorten molding cycles, electroforming is also a rapid manufacturing technology. Compared with direct and unipolar pulse current, bipolar pulse current in electroforming can obtain fine structure and grain size as well as surface leveling, resulting in better precision and surface finish. In this paper, bipolar pulse current electroforming is introduced. The influencing parameters such as electrolyte parameter, additives, current density, pH, temperature, and pulse parameters have been studied by experiments. Experiments on nickel electroforming in molds and dies have been done. The results indicated that bipolar pulse current electroforming could improve the quality and precision further, while reducing internal stress.

Fabrication of Nanostructured Electroforming Copper Layer by Means of an Ultrasonic-assisted Mechanical Treatment

Electroformed copper layer with nanostructure is obtained using a subsequent mechanical treatment under the conditions of ultrasonic vibration according to the demand of high performance material in aeronautics. The microstructure of the electroformed copper layer is observed by optical microscope （OM）, scanning electron microscope （SEM） and transmission electron microscope （TEM）. The tensile strength is evaluated with a tensile tester. It is found that bulk crystal of electroformed copper＇s surface layer is changed to nanocrystals （about 10 nm in size） after the ultrasonic-assisted mechanical treatment （UMT） but the whole monocrystalline structure still remains. The tensile strength exhibited by the new copper layer is two times better than the regular electroformed copper layer, while the fracture strain remains constant. In addition, the strengthening mechanism of UMT process is proved to be dislocation strengthening mechanism.

Non-traditional Machining Techniques for Fabricating Metal Aerospace Filters

Thanks to recent advances in manufacturing technology, aerospace system designers have many more options to fabricate high-quality, low-weight, high-capacity, cost-effective filters. Aside from traditional methods such as stamping, drilling and milling, many new approaches have been widely used in filter-manufacturing practices on account of their increased processing abilities. How- ever, the restrictions on costs, the need for studying under stricter conditions such as in aggressive fluids, the complicity in design, the workability of materials, and others have made it difficult to choose a satisfactory method from the newly developed processes, such as, photochemical machining （PCM）, photo electroforming （PEF） and laser beam machining （LBM） to produce small, inexpensive, lightweight aerospace filters. This article appraises the technical and economical viability of PCM, PEF, and LBM to help engineers choose the fittest approach to turn out aerospace filters.

Fabrication of Fuze Micro-electro-mechanical System Safety Device

Fuze micro-electro-mechanical system（MEMS） has become a popular subject in recent years.Studies have been done for the application of MEMS-based fuze safety and arm devices.The existing researches mainly focused on reducing the cost and volume of the fuze safety device.The reduction in volume allows more payload and,thus,makes small-caliber rounds more effective and the weapon system more affordable.At present,MEMS-based fuze safety devices are fabricated mainly by using deep reactive ion ething or LIGA technology,and the fabrication process research on the fuze MEMS safety device is in the exploring stage.In this paper,a new micro fabrication method of metal-based fuze MEMS safety device is presented based on ultra violet（UV）-LIGA technology.The method consists of SU-8 thick photoresist lithography process,micro electroforming process,no back plate growing process,and SU-8 photoresist sacrificial layer process.Three kinds of double-layer moveable metal devices have been fabricated on metal substrates directly with the method.Because UV-LIGA technology and no back plate growing technology are introduced,the production cycle is shortened and the cost is reduced.The smallest dimension of the devices is 40 μm,which meets the requirement of size.To evaluate the adhesion property between electroforming deposit layer and substrate qualitatively,the impact experiments have been done on the device samples.The experimental result shows that the samples are still in good condition and workable after undergoing impact pulses with 20 kg peak and 150 μs duration and completely met the requirement of strength.The presented fabrication method provides a new option for the development of MEMS fuze and is helpful for the fabrication of similar kinds of micro devices.

Mechanical properties of electroformed copper layers with gradient microstructure

The electroformed copper layer with gradient microstructure was prepared using the ultrasonic technique. The microstructure of the electroformed copper layer was observed by using an optical microscope （OM） and a scanning electron microscope （SEM）. The preferred orientations of the layer were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）. The mechanical properties were evaluated with a Vicker＇s hardness tester and a tensile tester. It is found the gradient microstructure consists of two main parts： the outer part （faraway substrate） with columnar crystals and the inner part （nearby substrate） with equiaxed grains. The Cu-（220） preferred orientation increases with the increasing thickness of the copper layer. The test results show that the microhardness of the electroformed copper layer decreases with increasing grain size along the growth direction and presents a gradient distribution. The tensile strength of the outer part of the electroformed copper layer is higher than that of the inner part but at the cost of ductility. Meanwhile, the integral mechanical properties of the electroformed copper with gradient microstrucmre are significantly improved in comparison with the pure copper deposit.

Morphology and Magnetic Properties of Electrodeposited Iron and Nickel Based Alloy Foils

An alternative to conventional process for the preparation of soft magnetic metal foils of Fe,Fe-Ni,Fe-Co and Fe-Ni-Co by electroforming was described.The microstructure and magnetic properties were observed.The results showed that the crystal size of the iron-based alloy foil is less than 10μm,while that of nickel-based alloy foil is about 2μm.Moreover,the electroformed Fe-Ni foil has better magnetic properties than the conventional milled permalloy 1J79 foil.

Deformation behavior of explosive detonation in electroformed nickel liner of shaped charge with nano-sized grains

Nickel liner of shaped charge with nano-sized grains was prepared by electroforming technique and the ultra-highstrain-rate deformation was performed by explosive detonation.The as-electroformed and post-deformed microstructures of electroformed nickel liner of shaped charge were observed by optical metallography(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and the orientation distribution of the grains was analyzed by electron backscattering pattern(EBSP) technique.Both melting phenomenon in the jet fragment and recovery and recrystallization in the slug after ultra-high-strain-rate deformation were observed.The research evidence shows that dynamic recovery and recrystallization play an important role in ultra-high-strain-rate deformation for electroformed nickel liner of shaped charge with nano-sized grain.

MICROSTRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH- STRAIN-RATE PLASTIC DEFORMATION IN THE ELECTROFORMED COPPER LINER OF SHAPED CHARGES

The microstructures of electroformed copper liners of shaped charges that had undergone high-strain-rate deformation were observed by optical microscopy （OM） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. Meanwhile, the orientation distribution of the grains in the recovered jet was examined by electron backscattering Kikuchi pattern （EBSP） technique. EBSP analysis reveals that the fibrous texture observed in the as-electroformed copper liners disappeared after explosive detonation deformation. OM observation shows that the microstructure evolves system- atically from the jet center to its perimeter during cooling from high temperatures after explosive detonation deformation. This microstructural characteristic is similar to that of solidification, i.e. there exist equiaxed grains in the center of the jet and significant columnar grains around the equiaxed grains. The result reveals that there is melting-related phenomenon in the jet center. Corresponding microhardness variations from the jet center to its perimeter is also determined. All the phenomena can be explained by a strong gradient of temperature across the section of the jet during plastic deformation at high-strain-rate.

Microstructure and penetration behavior of electroformed copper liners of shaped charges during explosive detonation deformation

The microstructure in the electroformed copper liners of shaped charges prepared with different electrolytes was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy （SEM） and Electron Backscattering Kikuchi Pattern （EBSP） methods. SEM observations revealed the existence of columnar grains in electroformed copper liners of shaped charges formed by electrolyte without any additive and the average grain size is about 3 μm. When an additive is introduced to the electrolyte, the grains formed in the copper liners become equiaxed and finer. EBSP results show that the columnar grain grown during electroformation has the most preferential growth direction, whereas a micro-texture does not exit in the specimen prepared by electrolyte with the additive. Further, explosive detonation deformation experiments show that penetration depth is dramatically improved when the electroformed copper liners of shaped charges exhibit equiaxed grains.

Crystal defects formed in electroformed nickel liners of shaped charges

Two types of electroformed nickel liners of shaped charges were prepared by electroforming technique. X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, electron backscattering diffraction （EBSD） technique and high resolution electron microscopy （HREM） have been employed to investigate the crystal defects formed in electroformed nickel liners of shaped charges. The result shows that （100） fiber texture which is parallel to the grown direction exists in the electroformed nickel prepared by using direct current electroforming without any additives, and （111） fiber texture exists in the electroformed nickel prepared by using direct current electroforming with additives. The deposits prepared by using direct current electroforming possess columnar grain with an average grain size of 30 μm in width and 170 μm in length. The deposits prepared with additives are composed of a colony structures with grain size of about 29 nm, and a lot of crystal defects such as twins, antiphase boundaries and stacking faults have been observed in the electroformed nickel.

Reducing SU-8 hygroscopic swelling by ultrasonic treatment

The volume expansion of SU-8 resist brings serious dimensional errors to electroformed structures.Two approaches have been proposed to reduce resist distortions during electroforming:electroforming at room temperature and adding auxiliary features for mask patterns.However,the former method induces higher internal stresses in the electroformed metal layers.And the latter method makes it difficult to predict the expansion behaviors of the resists.In the paper,the thermal expansion of the SU-8 mould is calculated by ANSYS firstly,and the lower thermal expansion value indicates that hygroscopic swelling plays a leading role in SU-8 mould distortions.An original technique is presented to reduce SU-8 hygroscopic swelling by ultrasonic treatment.The dimensional errors of the electroformed structure fabricated on the ultrasonic treatment mould are 50% lower than the one without ultrasonic treatment.Simulation of hygroscopic swelling is conducted by finite element analysis,and the results indicate that the hygroscopic strain ε of SU-8 after electroforming is declined from 6.8% to 3.1% because of ultrasonic.The measurements show that ultrasonic treatment increased the water contact angle of cured SU-8 from 70.8?to 74.9?.Based on these results,the mechanism of ultrasonic effect on hygroscopic swelling is proposed from the view of ultrasonic vibration decreasing the number of hydroxyl groups in SU-8.The research presents a novel method to improve the precisions of electroformed structures.It has no influence on the internal stresses of final structures and does not increase the complexities of mask layouts.

Microstructure and texture of electroformed copper liners of shaped charges

The microstructures of copper liners of shaped charges prepared byelectroforming technique were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Meanwhile, theorientations distributing of the grains in the electroformed copper liners of shaped charges wasexamined by the electron backscattering Kikuchi pattern (EBSP) technique. TEM observations haverevealed that these electroformed copper liners of shaped charges have the grain size of about 1-3mu m and the grains have a preferential orientation distribution along the growth direction. EBSPanalysis has demonstrated that the as-formed copper liners of shaped charges exhibit amicro-texture, i.e. one type of fiber texture, and the preferred growth direction is normal to thesurface of the liners.