ELECTRO-FORMING

Essentially, electroforming is the same process as electroplating. Electricity flows from an anode to the work piece, depositing a layer of metal onto the work piece. The difference is that in electroplating we apply a relatively thin layer of metal as a surface finish. In Electroforming we apply a much thicker layer. This layer can be as thick as 1 or 2 mm and is strong in itself, ie. It no longer requires the original piece (mould or mandrel) for strength.

We can use the electroforming technique for plating onto metallic and non-metallic objects. Non-metallic objects have to be made conductive first by the application of a metallic paint. It doesn’t matter if  this non-metallic object doesn’t have much strength in itself (such as a plant leaf). The metal which is electroformed around the object will make it rigid. In this way very unusual and interesting pieces of jewellery can be made. This technique can also be used to metallise resin casts and a multitude of other pieces. We electroform in copper and silver and can then plate in the finish of your choice.

Please contact us if you have an electroforming requirement.