A Finite Element Simulation of the Electroplating Process

This paper describes the development, comparison and validation of both 2-D and 3-D models of the electroplating process in which the current density distribution, generated using the Finite Element Method (FEM), is used together with Faraday's law of electrolysis to determine the local plating depth. Prior to work on industrial components, a preliminary investigation was undertaken on the electroplating of a square copper cathode (work piece) with a parallel lead anode of identical shape. The results described here show good agreement, particularly in 3-D and are considered to validate the model sufficiently for it to be used for electroplating tooling design.