3D Print Electroforming Kit Copper

3D Print Electroforming Kit Copper – Copper Plating 3D Prints Yourself

All 2 liter kits are now delivered as a 3 liter kit!
From now on, you get 3 liters of electrolyte instead of 2 liters as standard – for the same price!
That means a bigger pool, more workspace, and more options for your projects.
(each 3 liter kit comes with a larger 3.8 liter bucket + 1 extra liter electrolyte)

With the Verzinkshop 3D-Print Electroforming Kit, you can give FDM and resin 3D prints an even, shiny copper layer while retaining fine details. Selling 3D prints is easy with this complete kit. After applying a conductive coating, you can copper plat prints and finish them with a layer of nickel, chrome or another metal if desired. Think of decorative objects, housings, props, chess pieces and design parts that you can give exactly the desired look with patina or a bright metal finish.

Copper-plating 3D prints – applications and ideas

Electroforming adds a real layer of copper to your 3D prints. This gives weight, strength and a realistic look. Popular applications include jewelry, scale models and display props, functional knobs and covers, art objects, and custom enclosures. After copper plating, you can apply patina for an aged effect or apply a follow-up layer such as nickel, chrome or bronze.

What is the difference between the Verzinkshop electroforming kits

All electroforming kits have the same basic content, with the exception of the conductive coatings and sealers. These differ per kit so that you use the right conductive coating for your material. You are free to test conductive coatings and sealers on a variety of objects and materials. You are not bound by what is in the title or description.

Included in this kit

The Verzinkshop 3D-Print Electroforming Kit contains choose a variation for details

• Bucket
• Verzinkshop V-Brite 200 acid copper electrolyte
• Electrolyte copper brightener V-Brite X with dosing syringe
• 2 × Verzinkshop copper anode
• 2 × anode filter cloth
• Connection cable for the anodes
• Circulation pump
• Nylon rod with clamps for hanging objects
• 2 meters of 0.5mm copper wire
• 2 meters of 0.25mm copper wire
• 2 × 20 cm copper wire 2 mm for hanging anodes
• 2 meters nylon thread to weigh down objects
• 2 x 3D PCB Test Plate
• Brushes for the conductive paint
• Stirrers for the conductive paint
• About 10 connecting rings copper
• About 10 eye pins copper
• Fine sanding sheet
• Liquid filters for filtering contaminated electrolyte
• Baking soda for neutralization plus bucket
• Gloves
• Clear manual
• Optional lab power supply can be ordered
  • 5 amps with 3 liter kits
  • 10 amps with 6 and 12 liter kits

Supplied conductive paint

• Verzinkshop Conserve 3D conductive and preservative graphite sealer for high details of 3D prints. Ideal for submerging complex shapes for a waterproof conductive layer that dries quickly.
• Graphit 33 conductive graphite spray for a very thin conductive layer on flat surfaces.

Other electroforming materials, such as copper wire and more, can be found in electroforming accessories.

Benefits of the 3D Print Electroforming Kit

• Quickly apply a clear copper layer to 3D prints and other hard, non-porous fabrics
• Excellent base for follow-up layers such as nickel, chrome or bronze
• Suitable for home use
• Easy to set up and use

Properties of the V-Brite 200 acid copper electrolyte

• Works on conductive paint, brass, copper and nickel
• V-Brite 200 is very suitable for 3D printing – the copper layer is soft and flexible
• In combination with V-Brite X, ensures a constant, clear copper layer
• Works at room temperature
• Applies a thin, lustrous layer of copper that retains fine details
• Works between 0.1 and 0.3 amps per 10 cm². Guide value 0.2 amps per 10 cm²
• The copper comes from the anodes. Replace these when they are used up
• Long shelf life with proper maintenance
• Contains no cyanides

Copper-plating 3D prints – step-by-step plan

1. Prepare the copper bath as described in the manual
2. Treat the 3D print with a suitable conductive paint and let it dry evenly
3. Hang two copper anodes in the bath and connect them to the red plus of the power supply
4. Place the nylon rod on the bucket and hang the PCB with copper wire in the electrolyte
5. Connect the black negative of the power supply to the workpiece and make sure that plus and minus do not touch each other
6. Set the power supply to 0.2 amps per 10 cm² of workpiece area and start the process
7. Check periodically and stop when the desired layer thickness is reached. The time depends on surface, current density and desired thickness

Various finishing options

You can finish the copper with patina for a special one. You can also apply follow-up layers such as nickel, chrome, bronze and more.

Finishing your 3D printing electroforming project with a sealer

To stop natural discoloration due to patina or to protect the workpiece, you can apply a sealer. You can use an oil-based sealer such as Verzinkshop DeepSeal Sealer or the Electroforming Acrylic Sealer. Without a sealer, copper will naturally patinate and further discolor.

Electropolishing liquid for dull copper

Have the 3D printing workpieces come out of the bath dull or has a dark oxide layer formed? Then look at our electropolishing liquid for a clear finish by means of electropolishing.