Metal Strip Electroplating

Abstract

Process for high speed metal strip electrotinning wherein the strip is plated by anodically dissolving tin anodes facing the strip into an electroplating solution, and depositing said anodically dissolved tin on at least part of the strip acting as cathode, wherein that tin is supplied to the electroplating solution in the form of pellets held in an anode basket.

1 . Process for high speed metal strip electrotinning wherein the strip is plated by anodically dissolving tin anodes facing the strip into an electroplating solution, and depositing said anodically dissolved tin on at least part of the strip acting as cathode, characterised in that tin is supplied to the electroplating solution in the form of pellets held in an anode basket.  
   
   
       2 . Process according to  claim 1  wherein part of the tin anodes is masked out using adjustable masking means that are controlled and guided dependent on strip width and/or tin coating thickness distribution.  
   
   
       3 . Process according to  claim 1  or  2 , characterised in that the masking means comprise a shutter or blind  
   
   
       4 . Process according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pellets are electrically contacted via a current collector made of a material with a low electrical resistance allowing for good electrical contact with the tin pellets and being electrochemically inert in the electrolyte.  
   
   
       5 . Process according to  claim 4 , characterised in that the anode basket is so designed that it is the current collector.  
   
   
       6 . Process according to any one of claims  1 - 5 , characterised in that an automated supply system is provided to add tin pellets to the anode basket.