AutoBrush. A new method for selective electroplating

Recent developments on processes and specific process equipment have opened up new opportunities in electroplating. This presentation presents an integrated system which uses a robot for guiding electroplating tools. This is enabled by the advancement of the brush plating technique and by innovative developments in electroplating tools, together with modular, self-sufficient and mobile units which both supply the tools with process fluids and have them disposed of. Specific areas of a workpiece can be selectively approached and plated. The plating process avoids any contamination and the flooding of the plated part with process fluids. A requirement of this technology is the adaptation of the electrolyte formulations. The presented system design allows completely new application scenarios in electroplating, particularly with a view to manufacturing integration, selectivity and mobility.