At Diamond Black, our expertise in galvanics and electroplating is a critical component of our vinyl record manufacturing process. With over 35 years of experience, we have mastered this intricate process, often considered a dark art in the industry, ensuring that every record meets our high standards of quality and precision.
The Electroplating Process
Electroplating is an essential step in vinyl record production, where a lacquer master is transformed into a metal stamper used for pressing records. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
- Preparation of Lacquer Master: The lacquer master, which contains the grooves of the audio recording, is thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminants.
- Sensitizing the Lacquer: The lacquer is coated with a layer of silver to make it conductive.
- Electroplating: The silver-coated lacquer is immersed in an electroplating bath. Using electric current, nickel is deposited onto the lacquer to form a metal master.
- Creation of Metal Stampers: The metal master is separated from the lacquer, and additional electroplating steps are performed to create a series of negative and positive moulds, ultimately resulting in metal stampers.
- Finishing: The metal stampers are polished and inspected for any defects, ensuring they are ready for the pressing process.
Our Advantages
High Capacity and Efficiency
- 12 High-Speed Tanks and 6 Pre-Plate Tanks: Our facility boasts a large capacity, allowing us to handle high volumes of work. This capacity ensures quick turnaround times without compromising quality.
Advanced Machinery
- Sibert Sanding Machine: This machine ensures that the metal stampers have a smooth surface, which is crucial for high-quality audio reproduction.
- Sibert Centre Punch Machine: This machine precisely punches the center hole in the metal stampers, ensuring perfect alignment during the pressing process.
Innovative Cooling System
- Custom-Built Tank Cooling System: We have designed and built our own tank cooling system, replacing the previous inefficient system. Our new closed system recycles water from the cooling tower, significantly reducing water waste and improving energy efficiency.
Expertise and Experience
- Over 35 Years of Experience: Our galvanics department is staffed by highly skilled professionals with decades of experience. This depth of knowledge is vital in mastering the electroplating process, ensuring the highest quality in every stamper we produce.
By leveraging our advanced facilities, innovative systems, and unparalleled expertise, Diamond Black ensures that every step of the galvanics and electroplating process is executed to perfection. This commitment to excellence guarantees that the final product – your vinyl record – delivers an exceptional listening experience.
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