How to use this calculator :
1. In the first box, enter the thickness that you want to plate to in microns (thousandths of a millimetre).
2. In the second box, enter the surface area of the article in square centimetres (cm2).
3. In the third box, enter the type of swab you are using.
4. You will notice that in the fourth box, the Calibration Factor is defaulted to 1. This can usually
be left as it is. You can read more about setting the calibration factor for more accurate results
in Note 1 below.
5. Click the ‘Calculate button’.
6. Read off the volt setting and the volume of solution that you will require.
7. Next is the coulomb reading that you will need to plate to. (See Note 2 below).
8. Amp-hours are also quoted below the coulomb reading and is an optional readout on the MicroPlater.
Amp-hour reading are available for coulomb readings above 10 coulombs.
9. The weight of gold plated and the percentage of gold remaining in the solution are displayed
in the final two boxes.
Notes
When plating a number of identical items, the calculator can be calibrated to give more accurate results
but applying a calibration factor. This is calculated by dividing the calculated thickness or weight by the actual thickness or weight.
Note that if you’re using the weight method, you will require suitably accurate scales. Calibration Factor = calculated thickness or weight/actual thickness or weight.
For example, the calculator reads that the weight of plate should be 0.32 grams when plated to 2.5 microns. The actual weight is measured at 0.35 grams.
The Calibration Factor is: 0.32/0.35 = 0.91
Be careful not to create a short circuit as this will cause inaccurate results or may invalidate them completely.