Method for depositing cathode material on a wire cathode

A method of electrodepositing a material on a selected portion of a wire, comprising the steps of:

• providing a drop holder having opposing ends and one side that are open sufficiently to allow the holder to receive a wire within the holder by laterally moving the holder relative to the wire in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the wire;
• receiving into the holder a drop of suspension comprising a material to be electrodeposited, the drop of suspension being held within the holder and not spilling out of the open ends and side thereof due to capillary, cohesion and/or adhesion forces;
• moving the holder containing the drop of suspension transverse to the longitudinal direction of the wire to bring a selected portion of the wire into contact with the suspension;
• applying an electrical potential between the wire and the suspension to electrodeposit the material in the suspension onto the selected portion of the wire;
• and then
• withdrawing the holder from the wire by again moving the holder transverse to the longitudinal direction of the wire.