Stainless Steel Cathode Plate: Technical Design and Manufacturing Process

The cathode laser welding process

Introduction

The stainless steel cathode plate represents a critical component in electrochemical processing, with precisely engineered dimensions of 1219 × 1127 × 990 × 3.00mm. These specifications are fundamental to the plate’s functionality and performance in industrial applications.

Stainless Steel Cathode Plates Package
Stainless steel cathodes
Stainless Steel Cathode Plates Package
Stainless steel cathode packaged

Technical Design Rationale

The design philosophy centers on two primary objectives. First, it aims to enhance the conductive rod’s corrosion resistance and strength, ensuring sustained conductive performance over time. Second, the design incorporates scientific considerations for cross-sectional area optimization to meet increased current density requirements. The implementation features a steel-clad copper conductive rod type cathode, with the copper contact’s top side covered in stainless steel. A distinctive feature is the milled bottom side of the copper contact, where copper bars are deliberately exposed.
Copper contact after milling process
Copper contact after milling process

Advanced Welding Technology

The manufacturing process employs sophisticated laser welding techniques between the stainless steel cathode plate and conductive beam, eliminating the need for flux. This method’s concentrated melting temperature and controlled heat diffusion prevent thermal deformation during welding. The result is superior weld seam penetration, stable welding quality, minimal scarring, and smooth, bright welding seam appearance. Notably, the process doesn’t require forced water cooling, ensuring optimal conductivity and mechanical strength.
The cathode laser welding process
Cathode laser welding process
The cathode laser welding process
Cathode laser welding process

Design Advantages

The system offers multiple technical benefits. The raw materials undergo thorough preparation, with both copper row and stainless steel tube being cleaned with diluted acid, effectively reducing oxide film resistance at contact surfaces. The seamless stainless steel tube and copper conductive rod are joined through interference fit and cold extrusion, with continuous diameter reduction ensuring tight compounding and excellent conductivity. The large effective conductive cross-sectional area (950mm²) significantly reduces cell voltage during electrolysis, maintaining consistent performance over extended periods.
Copper contact after milling process

Manufacturing Process Details

The production begins with selecting solid copper bars according to strict technical specifications, which are then combined with 316L stainless steel pipes through an extrusion process. The composite structure features a 3.00mm wall thickness, with both materials undergoing descaling treatments to optimize conductivity. The process involves precise diameter reduction during extrusion to ensure optimal compounding and conductivity in the final conductive rod.
Copper bar before processing
Copper bar before processing
Copper bar before processing
Copper bar before processing

Quality Control and Testing

Quality assurance involves comprehensive third-party resistance testing using sophisticated digital resistance multimeters (specifications: DCV: 20mV-1000V; DCI200μA-20A; R2Ω-20GΩ). The calibration follows stringent standards, including JJG166-1993 DC Resistor Verification Regulations and JJF1587-2016 Digital Multipurpose Table Calibration Specifications.
On-site inspection of portable resistance meter
On-site inspection of portable resistance meter
Portable DC Resistive Bridge
Portable DC Resistive Bridge

Surface Manufacturing Process

The surface manufacturing utilizes 316l/2B stainless steel plate from Shanxi Taigang, processed to meet exacting technical specifications. The design maintains stringent tolerances: width direction flatness ≤1.5mm and length direction verticality ≤5.50mm. The process includes precise punching of lifting holes and the milling of “V”-shaped grooves according to detailed design specifications.
Spark direct reading
Spark direct reading
Metallurgical microscope
Metallurgical microscope

Laser Welding Process

The final assembly employs a fluxless laser welding process to join the stainless steel cathode plate and conductive bar. This advanced technique’s concentrated heat application prevents surface thermal deformation while ensuring stable welding quality. The process guarantees optimal conductivity, mechanical strength, and maintains precise verticality and flatness in the final assembly.
The cathode laser welding process
The cathode laser welding process
The cathode laser welding process
The cathode laser welding process

Contact Us

Precision Technologies (PRS) stands at the forefront of electrowinning technology, delivering high-performance cathode and anode plates that set industry standards in copper electrowinning operations. Our comprehensive technical expertise, demonstrated through this advanced stainless steel cathode plate design, reflects our commitment to engineering excellence and innovation. With our rigorous manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and attention to technical precision, PRS ensures that each cathode plate meets the demanding requirements of modern electrowinning plants. Our solutions optimize electrical efficiency, minimize energy consumption, and maximize copper production yield, making PRS a trusted partner in the global mining and metallurgical industry. The durability, precision, and performance of our cathode plates exemplify our dedication to providing superior electrowinning solutions that drive operational excellence and productivity in copper extraction facilities worldwide.

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