Process for depositing a metal coating on a metallic component of an electrical structure

摘要

A process is provided for depositing a silver coating on a metallic component of a feedthrough assembly to displace surface oxide and to deposit a conductive finish suitable for making an electrical connection. The feedthrough assembly includes a ferrule, an insulator mounted within the ferrule, and at least one tantalum terminal pin extending through the insulator. An inert gas dispensing hood is positioned over the terminal pin to create an argon gas environment around the terminal pin to prevent oxidation. A ground electrode of an electric circuit is connected to the feedthrough assembly. The electric circuit includes a direct current power source electrically connected to a resistor and a high energy storage capacitor. An active electrode of the electrical circuit is attached to a silver anode. The silver anode is brought into contact with a selected area of the terminal pin or ferrule to cause a portion of the silver anode to be deposited onto the contacted area while removing surface oxides from the contacted area. Areas which are not to be coated are shielded from contact with the silver anode using a paper mask.