Electroplating
Just wondered if anyone has electro plated prints.
I'm fairly comfortable with the electroplating process itself but wondering what's the best approach for making the prints conductive. I've seen one video with graphene mixed with PU varnish and brush painted on but since I'm requiring a very smooth surface I'm not sure if that would be good enough. Powdered copper might be an option but I'd still need to decide on a carrier. Also wondering if a commercially ready mix paint might be better.
Appreciate any thought and tips on the base and the whole process.
RE: Electroplating
Conductive filament exists, most is rather expensive but Sunlu offer a cheapish one, there may be others.
Cheerio,
RE: Electroplating
Another problem is that the electrical resistance of these filaments is quite high.
RE: Electroplating
I have never used them before but would using metal infused PLA filament with a hardened nozzle be a better option than trying to electroplate plastic?
This for instance is 80% copper, I am sure there are equivalents available in other finishes.
https://shop.3dfilaprint.com/filaprint-metal-copper-pla-175mm-500gms-12682-p.asp
Tank you very much!
RE: Electroplating
Excuse my last post.
Prusa also sell metal infused filaments (Slap on the wrist)
Tank you very much!
RE: Electroplating
I've looked at the metal filaments a few times before this project but not tried any yet. Most are PLA based and its for a long term outdoor application so unsuitable. There are a few PETG variants but I don't have confidence that they'll achieve the look I'm after.