Sample photo caption.
Electroplating holder that allows deposition on fixed area on sample and has contacts that are isolated from electrolyte.

Introduction

Electroplating on limited area on a sample requires means to prevent electrolyte contact or insulating material in the areas that are not be coated. This is usually achieved by either patterning the conductive layer on the sample or by masking parts of the sample with insulating material.

Here the aim is to define center area of the sample to be plated by isolating the rest of the sample and contacts with O-rings. This way it is possible to have continuous seed-layer on the sample while plating only in the center of the sample. Samples we typically use are pieces of silicon wafers with seed layer, which are easy to cleave to 2x2 cm squares and have known thickness of 525 µm.

This project was performed as a final project of the L3999 course Fall 2017.

Project goals

Aim was to create electroplating holder that would lessen the hassle in sample preparation for electroplating.

Design

The electroplating holder consists of two main 3D printed parts, 2 O-rings, contacts and wiring. The inner O-ring defines the plated area on the sample and isolated the contact area from electrolyte from inside when the top and bottom parts are squeezed together. The outer O-ring isolates the contact area and sample from electrolyte from the outside. The two parts are squeezed together with bolts and nuts.

Printing were done with Lulzbot Mini using transparent PLA.

Bill of materials and Costs

  • 2 3D-printed parts consume 17 g of PLA
  • 4 bolts and nuts
  • 4 springs (e.g. cut off from ballpoint pen spring)
  • ~ 10 cm of wire

The 3D-printed parts consume ~17 g of material, which costs approximately 56 cents (750 g PLA costs ~33 € in Finland) and takes about 2 hr to print with high detail settings that were used. In addition to this 2 O-rings are required. The ones used in the design cost 2.65 € in total. In addition bolts and nuts to squeeze the top and bottom together are required that cost ~1€. Springs can be used to create contact with the sample. These can be made from ballpoint pen springs.

Total cost 5 €.

Discussion

Your discussion.

Next steps

Add springs beneath the sample stage to press the sample against O-ring and contacts.

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