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Figure 8: Optimum anode configuration.
The MMO anodes are lightweight and easy to move around up and down and left to right. This facilitates the setup of the anodes with respect to the cathode for optimum uniformity of the plated copper thickness. The MMO anode also never requires dummy plating to film the copper. This saves production time and eliminates copper waste (the copper plated on the dummy panels). More important is that insoluble anodes do not require any anode maintenance, eliminating the labor associated with anode maintenance and increases production time of the copper plating line.
Waste Elimination
Waste of anode copper that is associated with soluble anodes, such as thinned out copper slabs or very small balls accumulated in the bottom of the basket, is eliminated. Anodic copper is bought at a premium, and residual copper is sold as scrap metal. A soluble anode is a titanium basket full of copper balls. The titanium basket remains filled with copper balls throughout the life of the plating line. The cost of the original copper to fill the baskets is tied-up capital that is never retrieved.
The use of MMO anodes turns a wasteful electroplating process into an environmentally green process. The copper content of the electrolyte is always being depleted and must be constantly replenished. There should never be a time when the electrolyte must be diluted generating solution waste that requires waste treatment and disposal. The use of MMO insoluble anodes is environmentally beneficial as it eliminates both solution and copper metal waste.
Conclusion
Soluble anodes have been the staple of the industry for decades, but they require extensive maintenance and generate waste in both copper metal and electrolyte. As plated copper thickness uniformity requirements become more stringent, more and more time will be needed for anode maintenance to ensure the uniformity of the anodic setup.
A properly designed insoluble anode produces a very consistent, uniform copper thickness distribution within the panel—from panel to panel, plating cell to plating cell, and bath to bath. In addition, the MMO anode maximizes productivity time by eliminating anode maintenance. The MMO anode is environmentally friendly, as it eliminates electrolyte solution waste and anode copper waste.
George Milad is national accounts manager for technology at Uyemura International Corporation.
This technical article was originally published in the proceedings of SMTA International 2018.
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