| Electroforming involves plating
metal in layers onto conductive or prepared non-conductive surfaces.
This is an ideal process for making lightweight pieces in large or unusual
shapes, creating special shapes and textures, or forming objects that are
too large or difficult to cast.
Using electrochemical deposition, the
electroformed article builds up layers of metal (up to 300 microns).
This happens using solutions developed for this purpose.
Electroforming is similar to electroplating, but the time the article
spends in the solution is longer and the current (amperage) is kept quite
low.
Why Electroform? To create jewelry
from specially shaped organic objects such as leaves, shells, and
crystals. To complete special decorative effects on selected areas
or entire objects. To create hallow jewelry especially larger pieces
that will be less expensive and more lightweight than solid pieces.
To compensate for mold shrinkage in casting by building up the metal
master model before creating a vulcanized rubber mold for wax
injection.
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