Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for momentum plating. A nozzle directs a jet of a plating fluid to a workpiece surface, preferably oriented either below or lateral to the jet. The nozzle is formed surrounding an anode and the plating fluid passes either through or around the anode. The flow vector range of the jet impinges on the surface in a continuous fashion and without interruption at a region to be plated. Optionally, a first seal prevents the plating fluid from flowing across either a non-plated or a previously-plated area of the workpiece. The nozzle can be moved across the surface or, alternatively, the workpiece can be conveyed past a fixed nozzle. A patterned plated coating can be produced by varying the number and orientation of seals, the number of nozzles, the type of plating fluid, the angle of jet flow, and the rate and direction of the jet flow across the surface.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim