Frequently Asked Questions

Total Test Strip legs units spread should not exceed 20 units total. If this happens reduce the deposition time and the deposit thickness to improve the accuracy. The Deposit Stress Analyzer scale has larger spaces between the lower numbers and the spaces get smaller on the higher numbers. If your numbers are low you can estimate the spread between numbers a litter easier than if the numbers are higher. When the numbers get higher than 10 total units you might not need to estimate more than 0.5

The Test Strip Resist parameters….Really depends on the solution’s pH

Since water boils at 212 Degrees F that is the max temperature any aqueous plating solution can at achieve.

A) Resist was designed for pH’s 0-7 at 160 Degrees F

B) Resist will hold up for a short time above a pH of 7 -12 ~ 1-10 minutes. at 120 Degrees F

C) They are baked at 175 Degrees F during manufacturing

This an organic resin and anything over ~ 350 degrees F will NOT WORK

Copper Test Strips will tarnish if kept in humid conditions. To clean the test strip follow the cleaning procedure for preparing the test strips, which is Soak a test strip in a soak cleaner solutions at 110-120 degrees F. for up to 30 seconds, water rinse. Then immerse in a 10% by volume hydrochloric acid solution for 15 seconds at room temperature then water rinse. If the resist is not adhering well to the test strip reduce the cleaning time slightly.

When plating the test strip in tank along with parts please note the test strip time may be different than the part plating times. The recommended thickness for the most accurate test is 100 Microinches. If plating goes over 100 Microinches the weight of the plating will weigh down the test strip legs causing the test strip legs to straighten. This will cause the test to be inaccurate.

What equipment do I need?

If you are having problems with the formula we have an app.

We have a wire repair kit for the Spiral Contractometer available (PN: SCWRK).

The Small Anode Basket (has been discontinued) it has been replaced by the Large Anode Basket – you will need to use a little more plating solution and a larger beaker.

Any questions about our Spiral size please call the office at 717-428-0186.

What equipment do I need to do the test?