Upgrade Your Electroforming Setup with This Ingenious Solution - Anode cage

Upgrade Your Electroforming Setup with This Ingenious Solution
-Anode cage-

Electroforming is an exciting process that allows you to create intricate copper objects with unique textures and shapes. However, connecting multiple copper anodes to the power source can be a real challenge. That's where an anode cage comes in.

  

An anode cage is a conductive grid made of a metal, such as titanium or platinum, that is inert to the acidic environment of the electroforming tank. It connects multiple copper anodes together and holds them securely in place during the electroforming process. This eliminates the need for clips and wires, simplifying the setup and improving the overall efficiency of the electroforming process. 

To make an anode cage, start by cutting a plane grid of titanium or platinum in half and shaping it to fit the dimensions of your electroforming container. You can use an angle grinder and a hammer to shape the cage. Once you have the shape you need, prepare an anode bag that fits the cage and slip it in easily with the help of two soft plastic sheets.

 

Fold the hanging part of the cage and attach the positive pole clip to the outside of the tank. The cage acts as a framework that securely holds the copper anodes in place, so there's no need to worry about them moving around during the electroforming process. Another advantage of using an anode cage is that all the unused copper pipe pieces can be used, eliminating waste. 

Using an anode cage simplifies the electroforming process, making it more efficient and producing high-quality copper objects. So, next time you're planning to electroform, consider using an anode cage and experience the difference for yourself!

 

If you are looking to buy an anode cage for your electroforming projects, you can find them easily on popular online marketplaces.

Here's my affiliate links:

Titanium mesh 30x20x1cm: https://ebay.to/3C7qYOR Titanium mesh 30x20x0.5cm: https://ebay.to/3IVQUAR
Titanium mesh 20x5cm (small): https://amzn.to/42tnaCj 

The anode cage is a versatile and efficient solution for the electroforming process. With its help, you can simplify your setup, improve efficiency and eliminate the need for additional clips. Using an anode cage will save you time and helps to reduce waste by utilizing unused copper pipe piece.

If you want to see how to set up the anode cage in your electroforming tank, check out the video on YouTube.

Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for more electroforming tips and tutorials.

I wanna thank everyone who has read this blog and has shown an interest in electroforming. I hope that you have found it informative and helpful. Happy electroforming! CuForming!

 

Electropatina: Unleashing the Magic of Color on Copper

Welcome to the fascinating world of electropatina. This technique allows you to transform plain copper into captivating pieces of art with stunning colors and unique patterns. Join me as we explore the step-by-step process, discuss the creative possibilities, and uncover the secrets behind achieving breathtaking results.

 

Electropatina: Unleashing the Magic of Color on Copper

If you're looking to add a touch of enchantment to your copper creations, electropatina is the perfect technique to explore. With its ability to transform plain copper into vibrant, multicolored works of art, electropatina offers a world of creative possibilities. In this post, I will take you through the step-by-step process, discuss the necessary equipment, highlight important safety precautions, and explore various techniques to help you master the art of electropatina.

Equipment: To successfully carry out the electropatina process, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment:

•  The recipe to make the solution is here: https://beacons.ai/cuforming
  

• Beaker: Used for containing and heating the electropatina solution.

            https://amzn.to/3ocfdTG            https://ebay.to/3W9uDov

• Thermometer: To monitor the temperature while operating.

            https://amzn.to/3MzDaOg          https://ebay.to/3Ij0X2w

• Copper Electrode: Serves as the anode in the process setup.

          https://amzn.to/3oV1Jf2         https://bit.ly/3AMAUg0

 

• Power Supply: Provides the electrical current required for the reaction.

           https://amzn.to/3WrpwQJ       https://ebay.to/3Lo7Dgo

• Electric stove: With this you can warm the solution.

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• Clips: Used to connect the anode and cathode to the power supply.

            https://amzn.to/3LgFmse       https://ebay.to/3NtPIaG

• Safety Gear: Wear gloves, eye protection, a respirator mask, and a lab coat to ensure your safety throughout the process. Work under a fume extractor or a kitchen hood or in a ventilated area.

 

 Step-by-Step Process:

1. Setting up the process: Warm the solution to a range of temperature between 65 °C and 90 °C, Place a copper electrode (anode) in the solution, ensuring it doesn't touch the cathode (the piece you want to color) while operating. Connect the anode to the positive pole of a power supply and the cathode to the negative pole.

    

2. Applying the Current: Turn on the power supply, setting it to the recommended voltage (typically around 1.5 volts or lower) and maximum amperes. This creates the electrical current necessary for the reaction to occur.

   

3. Dipping the Piece: Slowly immerse the cathode into the solution, ensuring it is fully submerged. The length of time you leave it in the solution will determine the depth and intensity of the patina color.

Safety Precautions: Electropatina involves working with chemicals and electricity, so it's crucial to prioritize safety. Here are some essential precautions to follow:

• Wear appropriate safety gear to protect your hands, eyes, and respiratory system.
• Work in a well-ventilated area or use a fume extractor to minimize exposure to fumes.
• Handle the chemicals with care, following proper storage and disposal guidelines.
• Avoid direct contact with the electropatina solution and ensure the power supply is turned off when not in use.

Techniques: There are different techniques you can experiment with to achieve various effects and colors:

 

• Gradient Technique: With a low range of voltage (0.5V), dip the piece in the solution for long intervals, slowly moving it up and down. This technique creates a gradient effect with a smooth transition of colors.
• Splash Technique: With a high range of voltage (1.5V) dip the piece in the solution for a short time and remove it with fast, abrupt movements. This technique produces a more textured and unpredictable pattern on the surface.

• Removing and Rinsing: Carefully lift the cathode out of the solution, making sure it doesn't                    touch the anode. Rinse the piece thoroughly with water to wash the excess of solution.

• Cancel the patina by raising the voltage (5.0V) quickly dip and remove the piece from the solution just once to make the piece ready for a new patination.

Unlocking the Beauty of Electropatina: With its ability to turn copper into a canvas for stunning colors, electropatina opens up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you're designing jewelry, sculpting decorative items, or exploring mixed-media art, the vibrant patinas achieved through this process add depth, character, and intrigue to your creations.

Remember, practice and experimentation are key to mastering the art of electropatina. Each piece you create

But that's not all! As a token of our appreciation for your support, I'm thrilled to announce the giveaway in conjunction with our YouTube video. By participating, you have a chance to win all the exclusive contents about electropatina. To qualify to receive the giveaway leave a comment in the YouTube video saying "I Love Copper".

The complete Video with exclusive content of how to create your own electropatina and the eBook  will provide a comprehensive resource with detailed recipes, tips, and additional insights into achieving the desired results in your own electropatina projects. Be sure to leave your comment and unlock the full potential of this incredible technique.

 

The world of electropatina offers a captivating journey into the art of transforming copper into vibrant and enchanting masterpieces. Whether you're a jewelry enthusiast, a DIY enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the allure of unique patinas, electropatina allows you to unleash your creativity and create one-of-a-kind pieces that mesmerize and inspire. Don't miss out on the exciting giveaway and be sure to grab your copy of the eBook to continue exploring the endless possibilities of electropatina. Let's embark on this artistic adventure together and witness the magic of color come to life on copper.

Thank you, CuForming!

PEG is the laxative that you can use for electroforming

This is the first tutorial for the new year, and I wanted to make something simple that every beginner electroformer can do to upgrade its electroforming solution.

It's a cheap and safe way to make a brightener and also to improve the conductivity of the electroforming solution. The substance we are going to use is called PEG.

PEG = Polyethylene Glycol = H-(O-CH2-CH2)n-OH

PEG stands for Polyethylene Glycol, commonly used as laxative for children, but it is also a good electrolyte for the copper electroforming solution. It doesn't contain metallic ions that could interfere with the growth of the copper deposit. It has a high boiling point, which helps to dissipate heat generated during the electroforming process. The high viscosity, allows for process stability, helping to prevent distortion of the substrate of the copper deposit which can improve the surface quality.

If you live in the US you can find it with the name of Miralax which is a specific brand name for PEG 3350. While Macrogol is the generic name for PEG in Europe. It can be found in a lot of different brands and formulations. Some of them may contain flavoring and excipients which you don't want in your solution. You need pure PEG.

 

The brand I found in Italy of pure PEG is Onligol. It contains pure PEG 4000.

• Miralax: https://amzn.to/3XDGTNL | https://ebay.to/3R7CHDs
  
• Onligol: https://ebay.to/3HhE1zs
  

The number that you will see associated with PEG can go between 2000 and 4000, and it determines the molecular weight. A PEG brand with higher molecular weight can hold more water and can make an electroforming solution more conductive. It doesn't make a big different though, so don't be bothered to buy the PEG with a higher weight number.

Let's now make the solution

To prepare our solution of PEG for electroforming we are gonna need:

• 100ml of distilled water
• 18g of PEG.

Supplies needed:

• Digital Scale: https://amzn.to/3XZ2GiR | https://ebay.to/3C3tchF
  
• Beaker: https://amzn.to/3JezwrV | http://ebay.to/3qXOA2Z
  
• Dropper Bottle: https://amzn.to/3XVuLIp | https://ebay.to/3OT0V3p
   

It's an easy process, and it's gonna be a very fast dissolution since PEG will absorb water in seconds.

I will pour the solution in a dropper bottle, so it'll be easy to use.

To test this PEG solution for this video, I've prepared one liter of basic electroforming solution.

 

(Check my video if you wanna know how to make it).

It's just water, copper sulfate and sulfuric acid in which I previously electroformed a sample piece.

The copper on the sample has a rough salmony color, with a little glaze, but it doesn't shine at all.

 Let's now add the PEG to the solution and see the result with the second sample.

For 1 liter of electroforming solution, I'm gonna add 5ml of PEG solution. One dropper is basically 1ml, so I'll add 5.

I will mix it up a little with the magnetic stirrer before adding the sample.

I spent 40 hours to electroform the first sample at a very low current. With 0.2 Volts I had a range of current between 0.03 Amps and 0.07 Amps. Also, the temperature was at 25 °C.

With the second sample I will test the differences between Time, Current range, and copper deposit. So I will keep the same, voltage and temperature. Will it be shine and bright this time?

 

This is the result after 10 hours. It definitely went faster on the second sample with PEG added to the solution. The first one at this point still had few black spots of graphite.

 

I will leave it overnight to make the copper deposit thicker.

In the morning, after 11 hours of my last check, the surface is still dull. I've decided to crank the amps up a little to reach the standard point of current and hoping for some luster.

 

Here we are at 26 hours of work. It's definitely shining. It is not bright, but it looks better than the first sample. The copper deposit got thicker in less time. The current range was lower at 0.2V. I can't make a comparison for the last 6 hours of boosting at 0.6V with 0.2 Amps to 0.3 Amps.

 In conclusion, this product can help to accelerate the process, and it can get the copper deposit smoother, and it definitely improves the surface quality. Is it good as a brightener? Well, I'm gonna say YES and NO. That feeble luster cannot claim it to be a brightener. To be considered a Brightener, the copper surface should be bright. This is good though, for those who work with black patina, and a piece like this one, can just be cleaned with high grit polishing tools.

 

I hope this information was useful for your work, and you will have fun doing it.

Watch my videos on YouTube, subscribe and like for more.

Thank you all, Cu Forming!