Electrowinning?? 2

[JimMetalsCeramics]

Can anyone please explain to me the electrowinning process? Can it be used to manufacture parts?

 

[CoryPad]

This is the definition provided by ASM International in the Metals Handbook Desk Edition:

electrowinning - recovery of a metal from an ore by means of electrochemical processes

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[unclesyd]

We did a lot of work with electrowinning systems for recovery of Cu, Ni, Cd, and V. In our case it was mainly waste stream cleanup. The concentrations of metallic ions is too low and variable to be economially feasible for the production of any components. In fact it was an expensive but necessary process. It is far better to use the electroforming process to produce parts. To form a part one needs to have a very consistent electrolyte with very close control on metallic ion concentrations. Electrowinning also tends to produce layered and somewhat spongy plating. In fact in one ion removal system we made a sponge and then stripped it so we could filter the metal out.
Unless they have came a long way in the process since I was involved I don’t believe you could get consistency from an electrowinning process .


Here are some electroforming websites.

http://www.servometer.com/Electroforming.html

http://www.storkveco.com/index.html