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→Selective Electroplating
Special high performance electrolytes are used in selective electroplating to reach short plating times and allow a high flow rate of the electrolyte for a fast electrolyte exchange in the actual coating area.
For a closely targeted electroplating of limited precious metal coating of contact springs so-called brush-electroplating cells are employed ''<xr id="fig:Brush Tampon plating cell"/> (Fig. 7.1)''. The “brush” or “tampon” consists of a roof shaped titanium metal part covered with a special felt-like material. The metal body has holes in defined spots through which the electrolyte reaches the felt. In the same spots is also the anode consisting of a fine platinum net. The pre-stamped and in the contact area pre-formed contact spring part is guided under a defined pressure over the electrolyte soaked felt material and gets wetted with the electrolyte. This allows the metal electroplating in highly selective spots.
[[File:Brush Tampon plating cell.jpg|right|thumb|Brush (or “Tampon”) plating cell; 1 Strip; 2 Anode; 3 Electrolyte feed; 4 Felt covered cell]]