[Pedalstream811]

Hi guys, so my question is about what voltage i should use during a copper electroplating experiment. I read somewhere that if the voltage is too high, then impurities will start to react with the other substances. So therefore, at what point does this start to happen and can someone explain to me more the details of the entire process?

[chenbeier]

The voltage is not the key, the current or better the the current density is the parameter you have to choose. Common current densities are 20 Asf or ~ 2 A/dm².

So you need the surface of your part, what will be electroplated. If you know it you can calculate the current with the given current density.

Your rectifier must be one to set a constant current not constant voltage. It will be set to the current , the voltage will automatically given by the law of Ohm.

[Enthalpy]

At least at the beginning, the voltage depends on the metal to be plated with copper. On iron you need no electricity.

Keep little voltage (1V ? Less?) above the minimum that lets current flow, just to maintain the current. A higher voltage creates unwanted reactions.

If you need a faster deposition rate, as electrolytic processes tend to be slow, increase the concentration of the solution and the area of the electrode.

[chenbeier]

For this reason I told, a rectifier with a constant current device is used in the plating industry.
Also for iron you need current if you want to get a thickness. Otherwise it is immerson copper and the reaction stops, after the iron is covered with a thin copper layer.