Application example: Counting function in electroplating

The following application example shows the usage of a Digalox®-measuring device with counting function.


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Electroplating is the most common process for producing a metal coating on a solid substrate through the reduction of cations of that metal by means of a direct electric current, for example in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. In this instance the Digalox® multifunction measuring devices are used to monitor the flow of direct current, machine data, process progress, and a wide range of other values.
Using the counting function, it is possible to simultaneously measure the amount of current and time, so that the degree of completion of the electroplating of the workpiece can be precisely determined and shown on the display, for example as a percentage or with a progress graph.
The DPM72 monitors the machine condition: as long as an individually set threshold is not exceeded, the counting process will continue. Once the threshold is exceeded, the DPM72 will alert the user by lighting up or flashing in colour.
Once the process is complete, the logging feature allows for an accurate retrospective of the completed process. This is an important aspect of quality assurance and the optimization of processes and machine utilization.

To set the counter function in the Digalox® Manager software, the counter type "Accumulated value" must be selected in the "Counter" tab.

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Then the value type "Counter 1" has to be selected in the "Display values" tab.

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As a result, the progress curve of the manufacturing process is shown on the display, in addition to the display of the ampere hours as a clear number as well as a level bar (individually adjustable).

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If a previously defined threshold value is exceeded, the display lights up red (or in an individually set colour).

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The Digalox® models DPM72-MPN+, DPM72-MP+, DPM72-MPP,  DPM72-MPPA and DPM72-MPPV are equipped with the counting function. These measuring devices are available with USB-Micro-B-, XBEE- or RS485-Modbus-RTU-interface and can either be installed via DIN-rail directly at the machine or used for remote monitoring of operating data.