In ammonia-based zinc electrowinning, aluminum cathode plates play an important role in current conduction and zinc deposition. Material quality, electrical conductivity, structural strength, and corrosion resistance are essential for stable and efficient operation.
Our aluminum cathode plates are manufactured with 1070 aluminum, integrated high-pressure die casting, robotic double-sided welding, vulcanization pressing, and anti-corrosion treatment, providing reliable performance for zinc electrowinning applications.
Ammonia-based zinc electrowinning workshop, combined 50,000 TPA capacity
1. 1070 Aluminum Plate and Integrated Conductive Structure
The cathode plate surface is made of 1070 aluminum, using cold-rolled aluminum sheet produced from electrolytic aluminum raw materials. The surface is smooth, flat, and clean, with strict control of cracks, corrosion, bubbles, inclusions, oil contamination, impurities, and delamination.
The conductive beam is made of high-purity aluminum with an aluminum content of ≥99.7%. The conductive beam, lugs, and conductive head are manufactured using a 20,000-ton high-pressure integrated die-casting process, reducing connection points and improving structural and electrical reliability.
The lugs can withstand the weight of the cathode plate plus 100 kg of deposited zinc without fracture. The conductive head uses a copper-aluminum composite structure, with the copper component chemically treated and tin-plated before integrated die casting. This eliminates the need for conventional explosive welding and helps prevent conductive head separation.
2. Robotic Double-Sided Welding
The conductive beam and aluminum plate are reinforced using robotic double-sided welding.
The welding surface is smooth and free from obvious burrs, pores, and slag inclusions. The welds are fully welded and penetrated, providing reliable mechanical strength and electrical connection.
3. Vulcanized Rubber Insulation and Anti-Corrosion Treatment
The plate edges are protected with vulcanized rubber insulation strips, which offer good acid resistance, heat resistance, and mechanical strength. The strips are pressed and formed around the aluminum plate using a vulcanization process, providing durable edge protection.
The exposed aluminum surface below the conductive beam is also treated with an anti-corrosion coating. A beveled transition is designed at the coating edge to facilitate subsequent zinc stripping.
4. Strict Quality Control
Quality control begins with raw material inspection and continues throughout the manufacturing process.
The chemical composition of the aluminum material is tested using an imported German atomic spectrometer. For every 100 cathode plates, 3 plates are randomly selected for elemental composition testing.
Production records are maintained throughout the process to ensure product quality and traceability.
For a closer look at the die-casting process, the copper-aluminum joint design, and how this compares to a traditional extruded-beam plate, see our full technical breakdown: Chloride Based Zinc Aluminum Cathode Plate from Steel Ash.
5. Safe and Efficient Packaging
Finished cathode plates are arranged alternately, supported by wooden pallets, secured with straps, and compacted using an air compressor before being placed vertically.
This packaging method provides high stability, efficient space utilization, convenient forklift handling, and cost-effective, recyclable packaging for transportation and on-site handling.
6. Reliable Aluminum Cathode Plates for Zinc Electrowinning
From 1070 aluminum and integrated die casting to robotic welding, vulcanization, anti-corrosion treatment, and quality inspection, every stage is designed to provide reliable cathode plate performance.
With good electrical conductivity, high structural strength, corrosion resistance, and stable manufacturing quality, these aluminum cathode plates are designed to support reliable operation in ammonia-based zinc electrowinning plants.
