Method and apparatus for electroplating or electroforming metal objects

Abstract

The invention relates primary to the field of dentistry, particularly to the formation of dental crowns, and provides an apparatus for use in electrodeposition of a metal onto a plurality of substrates, which comprises a retainer for an electrolyte, a first electrode member having means for supporting said plurality of substrates within said retainer, a second electrode member having a plurality of support zones for supporting pieces of said metal within said retainer, connecting means for mounting the first electrode member in the retainer and intended for connecting the first electrode member to one pole of a direct current supply, mounting means for mounting the second electrode member in the retainer, and means for making selective connection of one or more of the electrode support zones to the other pole of the direct current supply. Generally, each substrate is a tooth replica having a conductive outer coating and mounted on a metal former for screwing into the first electrode member. Also, each support zone is preferable a metal basket for containing a piece of the depositing metal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.