Construction Deposit Thicker Copper on Glass with DIY Electrode Cooling

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To achieve thicker copper deposition on glass, a system was developed that required prolonged current flow through tungsten heating elements. However, the high amperage (70-80 amps at 5 volts) generated excessive heat, risking damage to the electrodes. The solution involved circulating cold water through the electrodes using a simple setup that included a cut-down styrofoam cooler, a small metal pot, plastic tubing, a fountain pump, and ice. This cooling method proved effective, allowing for successful deposition of thick copper layers on glass, which is essential for applications like flux capacitors.
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I wanted to deposit thicker layers of copper on glass with the deposition system I put together, meaning I would need to keep current flowing through the tungsten heating element longer. But with 70 or 80 amps @5 volts, the electrodes wouldn't be able to survive the heat generated. So my solution was, circulate cold water through them. Very simple and cheap. One small cut-down styrofoam cooler, small metal "pot" ~2 1/2 cups, some plastic tubing, a small fountain pump, and ice. Here's a couple of pictures; the electrodes being cooled and the circulating water chiller.

electrodes.jpg


chiller.jpg
 

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Looks like you're making moonshine to me... :biggrin:
 
berkeman said:
Looks like you're making moonshine to me... :biggrin:
I'll drink to that!
smiley27.jpg


BTW: This thing works really well. I've been able to deposit really thick layers of copper on glass now.
 

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Yes, flux capacitors do need a pretty thick layer of copper.
any chance of showing the pictures of the deLorean out back.
 
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