METALOR TECHNOLOGIES

SINGAPORE PTE LTD

METWHITE 100
DECORATIVE WHITE BRONZE PLATING PROCESS
METWHITE 100 is a New Decorative White Bronze plating process.The process is designed to give
fully bright ,white bronze deposits suitable as a substitute for Nickel in applications which demand
Nickel Free in order to conform to European legislation restricting the use of Nickel.
It is an alternative to more costly Palladium which is also used for Nickel Free jewellery.
The process is used as a barrier layer prior to the final colour requirement , it can be used in Rack and
Barrel applications and is suitable for both decorative and electronic applications.
Coating electronic components with METWHITE 100 achieves a higher electrical conductivity than
pure Silver , allowing technical applications in the connector field.
The deposit is an alloy of Copper , Tin and Zinc in ratio to give an alloy composition which is white,
bright and has a high wear and corrosion resistance.
Brilliant White Deposit
Good corrosion resistance
Easy to Operate
Fast deposition speed
Excellent Throwing Power

OPERATING CONDITIONS

The following table outlines the optimum operating conditions for the bath.
Parameter

Unit

Range

Optimum

Copper

g/l

10-15

12

Tin

g/l

18-22

20

Zinc

g/l

1-3

Free Cyanide

g/l

45 - 55

50

Temperature

45 - 65

60

12 - 13

12.5

Current Density

A / dm2

1-4

Deposition Speed

/ min

0.25 - 1

0.35

Anode

316 / 317 Stainless Steel

Anode : Cathode Ratio

6:1 - 2:1

4-1

Filtration

Agitation

Continuous
5 -15 Micron
Moderate Cathode Movement

pH

2.

DEPOSIT CHARACTERISTICS

Property
Deposit Composition

Hardness
(Dependent on deposit composition)
Appearance / Colour

Value
Copper = 64 %
Tin = 30 %
Zinc = 5 %
Balance = 1%
Around 400 - 500 Hv (25g)
Bright White

Deposition Speed
At 1 A/dm2 and optimum conditions deposition speed of 1 micron in 2 minutes 50 seconds is achieved.

METWHITE 100 Data Sheet

Issue No : MTS 04/APR07/SL

3.

EQUIPMENT

Tanks should be constructed of PVC, Polypropylene , PTFE lined or similar inert material capable of
withstanding elevated temperatures.
For larger installations, Polypropylene or PTFE lined tanks are most suitable and we recommend the
following:
Rectifier with an Ampere meter and Volt meter producing a DC output with less than 5% ripple.
Ampere minute meter
Continuous filtration via a filter pump fitted with a 5 - 15 micron polypropylene cartridge
As solution is operated at elevated temperature and contains Free Cyanide , Fume Extraction is
strongly recommended for this process

4.

PROCESS CONTROL

pH
pH is a critical factor in process control and it is important to monitor and maintain the pH within the
recommended range in order to ensure consistent deposit properties in terms of alloy composition
brightness and appearance.
If it is necessary , raise the pH by using a 50% w/v solution of Potassium Hydroxide, take care to void
too high an increase.
Note : Only high grade material should be used ,if in doubt then Metalor Technologies are able to
supply material of suitable quality..
Being a cyanide based solution lowering of the pH is not recommended ; if the pH is high it should
monitored and allowed to fall within range over a period of time.

Free Cyanide
METWHITE 100 contains an additive to stabilise the cyanide decomposition , but it still is necessary to
monitor the concentration closely to ensure consistent results.
Again only the highest grade of Potassium Cyanide should be used to make necessary adjustment.
Free cyanide can easily be monitored by simple titration.

Wetting Agent
METWHITE 100 wetting agent can be used to lower the surface tension of the electrolyte, this is not
codeposited , but enables a reduction in porosity and ensures a fully bright appearance.
If a hazy deposit is achieved an addition of 1-2 ml/l METWHITE Wetting agent is recommended.
Maximum addition should not exceed 3 ml/l.

METWHITE 100 Data Sheet

Issue No : MTS 04/APR07/SL

METWHITE 100 Additive

This material helps to maintain the consistent deposit appearance. If a tendency towards a red colour or
black spots, then an addition of 10-20 ml /l of METWHITE 100 Additive A is usually sufficient to
resolve the problem.
A full analysis of the bath is recommended to ensure all other bath parameters are at their optimum
concentrations before the addition is made.
If in doubt please seek the advi ce of our Chemists for guidance on process control.

5.

REPLENISHER UNIT

A Balancer Unit (comprises of METWHITE 100 Balancer Part A & Part B) to replenish the Copper
,Tin Zinc and all other components at one dose is available.
500ml of METWHITE 100 Balancer Part A + 700ml of METWHITE 100 Balancer Part B is to be
replenished after every 1000 Ampere minute.
This Balancer Unit will maintain the key bath parameters ,but the bath should still be monitored by
analysis to ensure optimum performance ,as drag out will vary from installation to installation.
Further additions of Copper ,Tin and Zinc should be made individually based on analytical data.

6.

MAKE-UP PROCEDURE

Safety Note : Please ensure all safety precautions for handling Cyanide are taken during bath
preparation ,the final bath will contain around 50 g/l Free Cyanide.

For 10 litres Solution

1. Pour 5 litres METWHITE 100 Base Electrolyte into plating tank
2. Switch on filter pump and / or stirrer.
3. Carefully add, 900 gms potassium cyanide (good grade); stir till complete dissolution.
4. Add in slowly 4.24 litres METWHITE 100 Copper Brightener and mix thoroughly.
(Solution colour should be straw yellow colour.)
5. Analyse for free cyanide. Ensure it is between 45 55 g/l; adjust if necessary.
6. Measure pH it should fall between 12.0 13.0; adjust upwards if necessary.
(Note : If the pH is too high it will fall within range over a short period of time)
7. Heat up solution to 60 deg C.
8. Solution is now ready for use.
METWHITE 100 Data Sheet
Issue No : MTS 04/APR07/SL

ORDERING

Please refer to the following products and code numbers when ordering :

Product

Pack Size

Product Code

50L equivalent

P18920

5 units equivalent

P18940

METWHITE 100 Copper Brightener

1 litre

P18890

METWHITE 100 Zinc Brightener

1 litre

P18900

METWHITE 100 Tin Brightener

1 litre

P18880

METWHITE 100 Additive

1 litre

P18910

METWHITE 100 Wetting Agent

1 litre

P19940

METWHITE 100 Conducting Salt

1 kg

P20010

For New Makeup

METWHITE 100 Make-up Pack

Consist of :
Part A - Metwhite 100 Base Electrolyte (25L)
Part B - MetWhite 100 Copper Makeup Brt (21.2L)

For Replenishment
METWHITE100 Balancer
(for 5000 Ampmin Replenishment)
-Part A {2.5L}
-Part B {3.5L}

(for 5000 Amin Replenishment)

For Special Adjustment

Technical information and data regarding the composition, properties, or use of the products described herein is believed to be reliable.
However, no representation or warranty is made with respect thereto except as made by Metalor Technologies in writing at the time of
sale. Metalor Technologies cannot assume responsibility for any patent liability which may arise from the use of any product in a process,
manner or formula not designed by Metalor Technologies.

METWHITE 100 Data Sheet

Issue No : MTS 04/APR07/SL