Random Electroform Art – How It Can Be Created
[caption id="attachment_14086" align="alignright" width="480"] Gold-plated dendritic copper electroform art.[/caption] Art takes many forms. As a chemist, I was assigned the task of forming high frequency electrical devices. I "grew" them from water based solutions of copper salts. I then electroplated them in gold baths. I'd found my kind of art - random electroform art! No one can say it is unoriginal. Preparation A form, or mandrel, was made of machined aluminum. A sodium zincate dip and rinse followed. Copper was grown over that. Not all areas received growth, though. Forms were masked to prevent growth in certain spots with a vinyl coating. This was applied by dipping and "painting." Growth After drying, the mandrel was inserted into the bath. Electricity was applied. Copper deposition began. After growth completion, the piece…