52 Int. J. Quality Engineering and Technology, Vol. 7, No.

1, 2018

Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of

gold jewellery

Chanpen Anurattananon*,
Wanchai Leelakaweewong, Lalita Buaphuen,
Nakorn Karncharin and Prawit Jirathorn
Department of Industrial Engineering and Management,
Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology,
Silpakorn University,
Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
*Corresponding author

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to reduce the over-specification of

thickness in electroplating process of gold jewellery using experimental design
for analysing optimisation of parameter conditions affecting thickness of gold
jewellery in electroplating process and finding optimisation for controlling
specification and reducing average thickness. The factors were electroplating
period, gold concentration, the electric current and the electroplating
temperature. Each factor had two levels. There were four responses collected,
that were average gold thickness (Y1), minimum value of gold thickness (Y2),
standard deviation of gold thickness (Y3) and average of gold on stainless steel
sheet (Y4). 0.05 significance level was used. The results showed that the
appropriate parameters were 17 minutes of electroplating period, 0.4 gram per
litre of gold concentration, 0.6 amperes per square decimetre of electric current
and 60 degree Celsius of electroplating temperature. The experiment could
reduce the electroplating period by 4.20 minutes, the average gold thickness jig
by 0.13 micron, minimum of gold thickness by 0.19 micron, and average gold
percentage by 3.91 percent. These results reduced specification from maximum
value of thickness from 3.75 micron to 3.55 micron and mid-thickness average
from 3.50 micron to 3.45 micron.

Keywords: parameter optimisation; gold jewellery; 2k factorial experiment;

electroplating process.

Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Anurattananon, C.,

Leelakaweewong, W., Buaphuen, L., Karncharin, N. and Jirathorn, P. (2018)
‘Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery’, Int. J.
Quality Engineering and Technology, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp.52–81.

Biographical notes: Chanpen Anurattananon is an Assistant Professor and a

Lecturer of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Engineering
and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University. She received her ME in
Industrial Engineering from the Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. She is an

Copyright © 2018 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 53

expert in experimental design and analysis, engineering statistics,

manufacturing process, industrial cost and safety. Her publications (books) are
as follows: Safety Management, Silpakorn University Printing House, 2002 and
Response Surface Methodology, Silpakorn University Printing House, 2017.

Wanchai Leelakaweewong is an Assistant Professor in Industrial Engineering

and Management Department, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial
Technology, Silpakorn University. He is an expert in quality engineering and
maintenance engineering.

Lalita Buaphuen finished her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering,

Silpakorn University in 2016. She works as a Supervisor in Miki Siamese
International Co., Ltd. since 2016.

Nakorn Karncharin finished his Bachelor’s degree of Industrial Engineering,

Silpakorn University in 2016. He worked in Production in Cooperative
Education Program in Miki Siamese International Co. Ltd, Bangkok in June
2012 to May 2016. He earned his Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering,
Kasetsart University in 2016. He worked in assembly HSA Line (Cooperative
Education Program) for production improvement in Western Digital (Thailand)
Co. Ltd. in June 2017 to May 2018.

Prawit Jirathorn finished his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at the

Silpakorn University in 2016. He worked in Production in Cooperative
Education Program in Miki Siamese International Co. Ltd, Bangkok in June
2012 to May 2016. He worked as a QC Engineer in Bangkok Glass (Thailand)
Co., Ltd. from June 2016 to May2017.

1 Introduction

Jewellery industry is one of crucial factors in developing Thailand economics since the
revenue from this industry is ranked at the third place in export. In 2014–2015
(January–August), it generated revenue around 239 million baht. Therefore, to be in
accordance with the Thai government policy that has raised numbers of research and
development in jewellery industry, the research of gold electroplating was conducted to
find factors affecting electroplating thickness on jewellery by factorial experimental
design. The results of this research can predict gold thickness quantity for controlling and
reducing gold quantity cost used in gold electroplating process.

1.1 Objectives
1 To study gold electroplating process on gold jewellery.
2 To study factors affecting gold thickness coating on gold jewellery in gold
electroplating process.
3 To find out optimum parameter conditions in gold electroplating process for
controlling gold thickness in specification.
54 C. Anurattananon et al.

1.2 Theory and literature review

Electroplating (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroplating) is a process that uses electric
current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a thin coherent metal coating
on an electrode. The term is also used for electrical oxidation of anions onto a solid
substrate, as in the formation silver chloride on silver wire to make silver/silver-chloride
electrodes. Electroplating is primarily used to change the surface properties of an object
(e.g., abrasion and wear resistance, corrosion protection, lubricity, aesthetic qualities,
etc.), but may also be used to build up thickness on undersized parts or to form objects by
electroforming.
The process used in electroplating is called electrode position. It is analogous to a
galvanic cell acting in reverse. The part to be plated is the cathode of the circuit. In one
technique, the anode is made of the metal to be plated on the part. Both components are
immersed in a solution called an electrolyte containing one or more dissolved metal salts
as well as other ions that permit the flow of electricity. A power supply supplies a direct
current to the anode, oxidising the metal atoms that it comprises and allowing them to
dissolve in the solution. At the cathode, the dissolved metal ions in the electrolyte
solution are reduced at the interface between the solution and the cathode, such that they
‘plate out’ onto the cathode. The rate at which the anode is dissolved is equal to the rate
at which the cathode is plated, vis-a-vis the current through the circuit. In this manner, the
ions in the electrolyte bath are continuously replenished by the anode.
Other electroplating processes may use a non-consumable anode such as lead or
carbon. In these techniques, ions of the metal to be plated must be periodically
replenished in the bath as they are drawn out of the solution. The most common form of
electroplating is used for creating coins such as pennies, which are small zinc plates
covered in a layer of copper.
Gold plating (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_plating; Weisberg, 1997; Lechman,
2014) is a method of depositing a thin layer of gold onto the surface of another metal,
most often copper or silver (to make silver-gilt), by chemical or electrochemical plating.

1.2.1 Gold plating types

There are several types of gold plating used in the electronics industry:
x Soft, pure gold plating is used in the semiconductor industry. The gold layer is easily
soldered and wire bonded. Its Knoop hardness ranges between 60–85. The plating
baths have to be kept free of contamination.
x Bright hard gold on contacts, with Knoop hardness between 120–300 and purity of
99.7–99.9% gold. Often contains a small amount of nickel and/or cobalt; these
elements interfere with die bonding, therefore the plating baths cannot be used for
semiconductors.
x Bright hard gold on printed circuit board tabs is deposited using lower concentration
of gold in the baths. Usually contains nickel and/or cobalt as well. Edge connectors
are often made by controlled-depth immersion of only the edge of the boards.
x Soft, pure gold is deposited from special electrolytes. Entire printed circuit boards
can be plated. This technology can be used for depositing layers suitable for wire
bonding.
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 55

1.2.2 In ancient America

Pre-Columbian smiths working in northern Peru gilded and silvered copper objects by
electrochemical replacement techniques.
During the excavations in 1987–1990 at Sipan, a spectacular treasure of gold and
silver ornamental and ceremonial artefacts was recovered, dating to AD 50–300. These
objects demonstrate the outstanding craftsmanship of the Moche metalsmiths. Alloys of
copper with gold and some silver were employed, known as tumbaga.

1.2.3 Gold plating chemistry

There are five recognised classes of gold plating chemistry:
1 alkaline gold cyanide, for gold and gold alloy plating
2 neutral gold cyanide, for high-purity plating
3 acid gold plating for bright hard gold and gold alloy plating
4 non-cyanide, generally sulphite or chloride-based for gold and gold alloy plating
5 miscellaneous.

1.2.4 Jewellery
Gold plating of silver is used in the manufacture of jewellery. Like copper, silver atoms
diffuse into the gold layer, causing slow gradual fading of its colour and eventually
causing tarnishing of the surface. This process may take months and even years,
depending on the thickness of the gold layer. A barrier metal layer is used to counter this
effect. Copper, which also migrates into gold, does so more slowly than silver. The
copper is usually further plated with nickel. A gold-plated silver article is usually a silver
substrate with layers of copper, nickel, and gold deposited on top of it.

Figure 1 Gold washed or gold flashed (see online version for colours)
56 C. Anurattananon et al.

Gold washed/gold flashed (Figure 1): to coat or cover with a thin layer of GOLD by
electro-deposition when the layer of karat gold is less than .175 microns, (7 millionths),
thick of a minimum of 10 K gold.
Electroplating is the process of using electrical current to coat an electrically
conductive object with a relatively thin layer of metal. The primary application of
electroplating deposits a layer of a metal having some desired property (e.g., abrasion and
wear resistance, corrosion protection, lubricity, improvement of aesthetic qualities, etc.)
onto a surface lacking that property. Another application uses electroplating to build up
thickness on undersized parts.
Two level factorial experiments are factorial experiments in which each factor is
investigated at only two levels. The early stages of experimentation usually involve the
investigation of a large number of potential factors to discover the ‘vital few’ factors.
Two level factorial experiments are used during these stages to quickly filter out
unwanted effects so that attention can then be focused on the important ones.

1.2.5 2k designs
The factorial experiments, where all combination of the levels of the factors are run, are
usually referred to as full factorial experiments. Full factorial two level experiments are
also referred to as 2k designs where k denotes the number of factors being investigated in
the experiment. In DOE++, these designs are referred to as two level factorial designs as
shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Standard order treatment of 23 Factorial design

(a) (b)

A full factorial two level design with k factors requires 2k runs for a single replicate. For
example, a two level experiment with three factors will require 2 u 2 u 2 = 23 = 8 runs.
The choice of the two levels of factors used in two level experiments depends on the
factor; some factors naturally have two levels. For example, if gender is a factor, then
male and female are the two levels. For other factors, the limits of the range of interest
are usually used. For example, if temperature is a factor that varies from 45°C to 90°C,
then the two levels used in the 2k design for this factor would be 45°C and 90°C.
The two levels of the factor in the 2k design are usually represented as –1 (for the first
level) and 1 (for the second level). Note that this representation is reversed from the
coding used in General Full Factorial Designs for the indicator variables that represent
two level factors in ANOVA models. For ANOVA models, the first level of the factor
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 57

was represented using a value of 1 for the indicator variable, while the second level was
represented using a value of –1. For details on the notation used for two level
experiments refer to Notation.

1.2.6 The 23 design

The 23 design is a two level factorial experiment design with three factors (say factors A,
§§ k · §3· ·
B and C). This design tests three (k = 3) main effects, A, B and C; three ¨ ¨ ¸ ¨ ¸ 3 ¸
©© 2 ¹ © 2¹ ¹
§ § k · § 3· ·
two factor interaction effects, AB, BC, AC and one ¨ ¨ ¸ ¨ ¸ 1¸ three factor
© © 3 ¹ © 3¹ ¹
interaction effect, ABC. The design requires eight runs per replicate. The eight treatment
combinations corresponding to these runs are (1), a, b, ab, c, ac, bc and abc. Note that the
treatment combinations are written in such an order that factors are introduced one by one
with each new factor being combined with the preceding terms. This order of writing the
treatments is called the standard order or Yates’ order. The 23 design is shown in
Figure 2(a). The design matrix for the 23 design is shown in Figure 2(b). The design
matrix can be constructed by following the standard order for the treatment combinations
to obtain the columns for the main effects and then multiplying the main effects columns
to obtain the interaction columns.
The 23 design can also be represented geometrically using a cube with the eight
treatment combinations lying at the eight corners as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 Design points of 23 Factorial design

Nagarajan et al. (2016) proposed that reactive extrusion route was employed to
compatibilise blends of PTT and PLA by the addition of a random terpolymer of
ethylene, methyl acrylate, and glycidyl methacrylate (EMAGMA) and multifunctional
epoxy chain extender. Mixed level full factorial design was used to investigate the
strength properties of the resulting blends. Using analysis of variance, main and
interaction effects of terpolymer, chain extender and screw speed on mechanical
58 C. Anurattananon et al.

properties of the blends were investigated. Multiple linear regression models were fitted
and their adequacy was verified by checking residual plots. Most influencing factor for
tensile strength was the terpolymer, while the impact strength was significantly affected
by all three factors and one of the interaction effects. Phase morphology indicated a
two-phase structure in which PLA-EMAGMA phase was dispersed as domains in the
continuous PTT matrix. Domain size was found to decrease with the increasing
concentration of the terpolymer at higher shear rates. Reduced particle size and
interparticle distance was believed to be the main reason behind impact toughening in the
blends. PTT70-PLA30/terpolymer (85/15) blends with 0.5 phr chain extender processed
at 200 rpm with impact strength of 122 J/m and tensile strength of 44 MPa has been
selected as the optimum blend formulation.
Gradalla et al. (2016) indicated that the colon was a promising site for drug targeting
owing to its long transit time and mild proteolytic activity. The aim of this study was to
prepare new low methoxy amidated pectin/NaCMC microspheres cross-linked by a
mixture of Zn2+ and Al3+ ions and test their potential for colonic targeting of
progesterone. A 24 factorial design was carried out to optimise the preparation conditions.
High drug entrapment efficiency (82–99%) was obtained and it increased with increasing
drug concentration but decreased with increasing polymer concentration. Drug release
rate was directly proportional to the microsphere drug content and inversely related to
Al3+ ion concentration. Drug release was minimal during the first 3 h but was
significantly improved in the presence of 1% rat caecal contents, confirming the
microsphere potential for colonic delivery. The microspheres achieved >2.3-fold
enhancement of colonic progesterone permeability. These results confirmed the viability
of the produced microspheres as colon-targeted drug delivery vehicle
Ravandi et al. (2016) proposed that underground storage of hydrocarbons in unlined
rock caverns (URC) had advantages over above-ground storage in terms of safety,
environmental protection and economy. However, seepage of products can cause many
environmental and economical problems. Water curtain system was used as a part of
hydrodynamic method to control seepage. Water curtains system was composed of a
network of underground galleries and horizontal boreholes drilled from these galleries to
establish groundwater pressure artificially. Iranian crude oil unlined storage caverns were
to be excavated in Asmari limestone formation. This study aimed to clarify the effects of
effective parameters on water curtains performance in the establishment of water
pressure. To aim this purpose 2k factorial statistical experimental design and numerical
modelling using FLAC3D had been employed to evaluate the performance of artificial
water curtain systems under various conditions included equivalent permeability and
effective porosity of Asmari limestone, borehole pressure, borehole spacing and
elevation, groundwater level and operation time of boreholes before the storage
operation. The results showed that borehole pressure, permeability, borehole elevation
and porosity have most significant effect in order of magnitude respectively. Regression
model for 2k factorial design was presented as well.

2 Research methodology

1 Studying gold electroplating process (Manuskiatkul, 2006).

 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 59

2 Selecting model of specimen used in experiment. The gold quantity loss of this
model was maximum.
(The gold quantity loss was 1,068.22 grams of 238,197 pieces of total specimens in
March to October, 2015.)
3 Identifying factors affecting gold coating thickness and selecting levels of factors
used in gold electroplating experiment selecting response.
There were four factors, that were coating time (A), gold solution concentration (B),
coating current (C) and temperature (D), which affecting four responses, that were
gold thickness mean (Y1), minimum gold thickness coating (Y2), standard deviation
of gold thickness (Y3) and percentage of gold stainless sheet (Y4).
4 Analysing response correlation and external factors (Chanwieng and Jareonjai,
2008).
The quality measurement of specimen was gold coating thickness and percentage of
gold coating on specimens.
The external factor was measurement location on specimens which affect location
variance.
5 Conducting measurement system analysis and process capability (Ploypanichjareon,
2010, 2008).
6 Conducting an experimental design by using 2k factorial experiment (Shutima, 2003)
which was useful for initial experiment and easy for doing experiment.
7 Conducting an experiment in gold electroplating process by controlling selected
levels of factors (Thongmee, 2009).
8 Detecting gold coating thickness and percentage of gold coating on specimens by
using X-ray. There were 32 run of specimens detected by Fiscnerscope X-ray Xan
250.
9 Analysing parameter optimum conditions (Solution Center Minitab, 2007).
10 Conducting a confirmation experiment by using parameter optimum conditions in
experiment of ten times total run.
11 Comparing testing results with normal practices.
12 Doing experimental conclusion.
Specimens were silver oval shape bead. It was prepared through the process of
waxing, stem making, loss waxing, casting, polishing and gold electroplating.

3 Results

3.1 Response correlation analysis

The correlation coefficient of gold coating thickness and percentage of gold coating on
specimens was analysed.
60 C. Anurattananon et al.

The hypothesis was

H0 ρ = 0 (There was no correlation between gold coating thickness and percentage of
gold coating on specimens).
H1 ρ z 0 (There was a correlation between gold coating thickness and percentage of gold
coating on specimens).
The computerised result is illustrated in Table 1.
Table 1 Correlation analysis of gold coating thickness and percentage of gold coating on
specimens

Correlations: percent RG, thickness

Pearson correlation of percent RG and thickness = 0.110
P-value = 0.536

The correlation coefficient of gold coating thickness and percentage of gold coating on
specimens (r) = 0.110.

Figure 4 The correlation graph between gold coating thickness and percentage of gold coating on
specimens (see online version for colours)

Scatterplot of Thickness vs percent RG

4.0

3.8

3.6
Thickness

3.4

3.2

3.0

2.8

2.6
73 74 75 76 77 78 79
percent RG

The experiment was found to have a positive result which meant that the change of gold
coating thickness and percentage of gold coating on specimens were in a positive
direction. This included an increase of gold coating thickness, an increase of percentage
of gold coating on specimens, a decrease of gold coating thickness and a decrease of
percentage of gold coating on specimens. There was a minor correlation between gold
coating thickness and percentage of gold coating on specimens. The correlation graph
between gold coating thickness and percentage of gold coating on specimens is illustrated
in Figure 4.
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 61

3.2 Variance analysis of gold coating thickness from external factor

3.2.1 Variance analysis of gold coating thickness due to various measurement
locations on specimen
There were six points of various measurement locations on specimen (two points on the
top, two points in the middle and two points at the bottom) which is illustrated in
Figure 5.

Figure 5 Six points of various measurement location on specimen (see online version
for colours)

The hypothesis was

H 0 μ1 = μ2 = μ3 = μ4 = μ5 = μ6
H1 μi z μj at least one pair of i, j.
Table 2 Variance analysis of gold coating thickness due to various measurement location on
specimen

One-way ANOVA: point 1, point 2, point 3, point 4, point 5, point 6

Source DF SS MS F P
Factor 5 0.1953 0.0391 0.55 0.735
Error 90 6.3495 0.0705
Total 95 6.5448
S = 0.2656 R-Sq = 2.98% R-Sq(adj) = 0.00%
Individual 95% CIs for mean based
on pooled st. dev
Level N Mean St. dev +---------+---------+---------+---------
point 1 16 3.1563 0.2884 (----------*----------)
point 2 16 3.2169 0.2126 (----------*----------)
point 3 16 3.2675 0.2895 (----------*----------)
point 4 16 3.1913 0.2836 (----------*----------)
point 5 16 3.1594 0.2314 (----------*----------)
point 6 16 3.1313 0.2777 (----------*----------)
+---------+---------+---------+---------
3.00 3.12 3.24 3.36
Pooled st. dev = 0.2656
62 C. Anurattananon et al.

The analysis result is illustrated in Table 2 and model adequacy checking is illustrated in
Figure 6.

Figure 6 Model adequacy checking of residual plot (see online version for colours)

The result indicated that there was no difference of gold coating thickness due to various
measurement location on specimen (p-value = 0.735 > 0.05).
The result in Figure 6 indicated that error was normal distribution and equal variance.

Figure 7 Levene’s test of equal variance of gold coating thickness (see online version
for colours)
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 63

The result of variance testing by using Levene’s test is illustrated in Figure 7.

The result indicated that there was equal variance of gold coating thickness due to
various measurement location on specimen (p-value = 0.975 > 0.05).

3.2.2 Variance analysis testing of gold coating thickness of specimens in

diagonal of work wood
The specimens were sampling eight pieces in diagonal of work wood which is illustrated
in Figure 8.

Figure 8 Pieces of specimen eight pieces in diagonal of work wood (see online version
for colours)

Table 3 Variance analysis of gold coating thickness due to various measurement locations in
work wood

One-way ANOVA: piece1, piece 2, piece3, piece4, piece 5, piece6, piece 7, …

Source DF SS MS F P
Factor 7 1.051 0.150 1.08 0.374
Error 360 49.951 0.139
Total 367 51.002
S = 0.3725 R-Sq = 2.06% R-Sq(adj) = 0.16%
Individual 95% CIs for mean based
on pooled st. dev
Level N Mean St. dev -----+---------+---------+---------+----
piece1 46 3.4811 0.3975 (--------*--------)
piece 2 46 3.3409 0.4458 (--------*--------)
piece3 46 3.3620 0.3304 (--------*--------)
piece4 46 3.2922 0.3093 (--------*--------)
piece 5 46 3.3985 0.4159 (--------*--------)
piece6 46 3.3313 0.3589 (--------*--------)
piece 7 46 3.4054 0.3750 (--------*--------)
piece8 46 3.3787 0.3257 (--------*--------)
-----+---------+---------+---------+----
3.24 3.36 3.48 3.60
Pooled st. dev = 0.3725
64 C. Anurattananon et al.

Figure 9 Model adequacy checking of residual plot (see online version for colours)

The variance analysis result is illustrated in Table 3 and model adequacy checking is
illustrated in Figure 9.
The result indicated that there was no difference of gold coating thickness due to
various measurement location in work wood (p-value = 0.374 > 0.05).
The result in Figure 9 indicated that error was normal distribution and equal variance.
The result of variance testing by using Bartlett’s test is illustrated in Figure 10.

Figure 10 Bartlett’s test for equal variance analysis of eight pieces of specimens (see online
version for colours)
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 65

The result indicated that there was equal variance of gold coating thickness due to various
measurement location in work wood (p-value = 0.170 > 0.05).

3.2.3 Variance analysis testing of placing various locations of specimens

The specimens were tied in new method of 20 pieces and conducted in the same
electroplating conditions. Twenty pieces of specimens in new method ties and 20 pieces
of specimens in old method ties were compared.

Figure 11 Specimens in new method ties and specimens in old method ties placing location
(see online version for colours)

Variance analysis testing of placing various locations of specimens is illustrated in

Table 4 and model adequacy checking is illustrated in Figure 12.
Table 4 Variance analysis of gold coating thickness due to new method and old method
placing location

One-way ANOVA: response versus method

Source DF SS MS F P
Method 1 0.0828 0.0828 1.08 0.305
Error 38 2.9133 0.0767
Total 39 2.9961
S = 0.2769 R-Sq = 2.76% R-Sq(adj) = 0.21%
Individual 95% CIs for mean based
on pooled st. dev
Level N Mean St. dev -------+---------+---------+---------+
NEW 20 3.7330 0.3064 (-----------*------------)
OLD 20 3.8240 0.2438 (-----------*------------)
-------+---------+---------+---------+
3.70 3.80 3.90 4.00
Pooled st. dev = 0.2769

The result indicated that there was no difference of gold coating thickness due to new
method and old method placing location (p-value = 0.305 > 0.05).
The result in Figure 12 indicated that error was normal distribution and equal
variance.
66 C. Anurattananon et al.

Figure 12 Model adequacy checking of residual plot (see online version for colours)

The result of two variances testing of two methods by using Fisher’s test is illustrated in
Figure 13.

Figure 13 Two variances testing of two methods by using Fisher’s test (see online version
for colours)

The result was indicated that there was equal variance of gold coating thickness of two
methods (p-value = 0.308 > 0.05).
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 67

3.3 Measurement system analysis

Measurement system analysis was the analysis of cause of variability in repeatability and
reproducibility by using two operators which measured ten pieces of the same specimens
in three times in each specimen. The result is illustrated in Figure 14 and Table 5.
Figure 14 Gage R&R (ANOVA) for measurement (see online version for colours)

Table 5 Measurement system analysis

Gage R&R
Source VarComp % contribution (of VarComp)
Total gage R&R 0.0049246 7.09
Repeatability 0.0049246 7.09
Reproducibility 0.0000000 0.00
Operations 0.0000000 0.00
Part-to-part 0.0645403 92.91
Total variation 0.0694650 100.00
Source StdDev (SD) Study var (6 SD) % study var (%SV)
Total gage R&R 0.070176 0.42105 26.63
Repeatability 0.070176 0.42105 26.63
Reproducibility 0.000000 0.000000 0.00
Operations 0.000000 0.000000 0.00
Part-to-part 0.254048 1.52429 96.39
Total variation 0.263562 1.58137 100.00
Number of distinct categories = 5
68 C. Anurattananon et al.

In Figure 14, in R-chart, there was one point of data of operator 1 (specimen 3) out of
control limit and there was one point of data of operator 2 (specimen 7) out of control
limit. In Xbar-chart by operator, variation of measurement system was much less than
variation of manufacturing system. In parts-operators interaction, there was interaction
between parts and operators and change of measurement specimens affected
measurement value by operators.
% Gage R&R was 26.63% which was in acceptable criterion (<30%). This meant that
the error can be acceptable.

3.4 Process capability analysis

The process capability was analysed and it is illustrated in Figure 15.
Figure 15 The analysis of process capability of thickness (see online version for colours)

The mean of gold thickness was 3.37375 micron from 368 pieces of specimen.
Cp = 1.33 (≥ 1.33), this meant that the process was capable.

3.5 The results experimental analysis

This study used 24 factorial experiments with two replicates of 32 total run. There were
four responses, that were gold thickness mean (Y1), minimum gold thickness coating (Y2),
standard deviation of gold thickness (Y3), and percentage of gold on stainless sheet (Y4).
There were four factors, that were coating time (A), gold solution concentration (B),
coating current (C), and temperature (D). The levels of factors are illustrated in Table 6.
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 69

Table 6 Natural levels of factors

Factors (–1) (+1)

Coating time (A) 15 minutes 40 minutes
Gold solution concentration (B) 3.5 g/l 4.5 g/l
2
Coating current (C) 0.3 A/dm 0.8 A/ dm2
Temperature(D) 55 degree Celsius 60 degree Celsius

3.5.1 Model adequacy checking

3.5.1.1 Model adequacy checking of gold thickness means (Y1)
Normal probability plot of Y1 is illustrated in Figure 16. It indicated that error was normal
distribution.

Figure 16 Normal probability plot of Y1 (see online version for colours)

Residual plot versus fitted value of Y1 is illustrated in Figure 17. It indicated that error
had constant variance.
Residual plot versus observation order of Y1 is illustrated in Figure 18. It indicated
that error was random variable and uncorrelated.
70 C. Anurattananon et al.

Figure 17 Residual plot versus fitted value of Y1 (see online version for colours)

Figure 18 Residual plot versus observation order of Y1 (see online version for colours)

3.5.1.2 Model adequacy checking of minimum gold thickness coating (Y2)

Normal probability plot of Y2 is illustrated in Figure 19. It indicated that error was normal
distribution
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 71

Figure 19 Normal probability plot of Y2 (see online version for colours)

Residual plot versus fitted value of Y2 is illustrated in Figure 20. It indicated that error
had constant variance.

Figure 20 Residual plot versus fitted value of Y2 (see online version for colours)

Residual plot versus observation order of Y2 is illustrated in Figure 21. It indicated that
error was random variable and uncorrelated.
72 C. Anurattananon et al.

Figure 21 Residual plot versus observation order of Y2 (see online version for colours)

3.5.1.3 Model adequacy checking of standard deviation of gold thickness (Y3)

Normal probability plot of Y3 is illustrated in Figure 22. It indicated that error was normal
distribution.

Figure 22 Normal probability plot of Y3 (see online version for colours)

Residual plot versus fitted value of Y3 is illustrated in Figure 23. It indicated that error
had constant variance.
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 73

Figure 23 Residual plot versus fitted value of Y3 (see online version for colours)

Residual plot versus observation order of Y3 is illustrated in Figure 24. It indicated that
error was random variable and uncorrelated.

Figure 24 Residual plot versus observation order of Y3 (see online version for colours)

3.5.1.4 Model adequacy checking of percentage of gold on stainless sheet (Y4)

Normal probability plot of Y4 is illustrated in Figure 25. It indicated that error was normal
distribution.
74 C. Anurattananon et al.

Figure 25 Normal probability plot of Y4 (see online version for colours)

Residual plot versus fitted value of Y4 is illustrated in Figure 26. It indicated that error
had constant variance.

Figure 26 Residual plot versus fitted value of Y4 (see online version for colours)

Residual plot versus observation order of Y4 is illustrated in Figure 27. It indicated that
error was random variable and uncorrelated.
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 75

Figure 27 Residual plot versus observation order of Y4 (see online version for colours)

3.5.2 Results of analysis of variance

3.5.2.1 Results of analysis of variance for gold thickness mean (Y1)
Results of analysis of variance for gold thickness mean (Y1) is illustrated in Table 7. It
indicated that all of factors affected gold thickness means, two-factor interaction,
three-factor interaction and four-factor interaction factors affected gold thickness mean.
Table 7 Analysis of variance for gold thickness means (Y1)

Factorial fit: Y1 versus A, B, C, D

Estimated effect and coefficients for Y1 (coded units)
Term Effect Coef SE coef T P
Constant 4.8496 0.01237 392.15 0.000
A 4.4604 2.2302 0.01237 180.34 0.000
B 0.1336 0.0668 0.01237 5.40 0.000
C 0.3709 0.1855 0.01237 15.00 0.000
D 1.1090 0.5545 0.01237 44.84 0.000
A B 0.2370 0.1185 0.01237 9.58 0.000
A C –0.3912 –0.1956 0.01237 –15.82 0.000
A D 0.4963 0.2481 0.01237 20.07 0.000
B C 0.3690 0.1845 0.01237 14.92 0.000
B D –0.5283 –0.2642 0.01237 –21.36 0.000
C D 0.0811 0.0406 0.01237 3.28 0.005
A B C 0.1680 0.0840 0.01237 6.79 0.000
A B D –0.3545 –0.1772 0.01237 –14.33 0.000
A C D 0.0661 0.0331 0.01237 2.67 0.017
B C D 0.1527 0.0764 0.01237 6.17 0.000
A B C D 0.2112 0.1056 0.01237 8.54 0.000
S = 0.0699564 Press = 0.313210
R-sq = 99.96% R-sq (pred) = 99.83% R-sq (adj) = 99.92%
76 C. Anurattananon et al.

Regression equation was Yˆ1 = 4.8496 + 2.2302 A + 0.0668 B + 0.1855 C + 0.5545 D +

0.1185 AB – 0.1956 AC + 0.2481 AD + 0.1845 BC – 0.2642 BD + 0.0406 CD + 0.0840
ABC – 0.1772 ABD + 0.0331 ACD + 0.0764 BCD + 0.1056 ABCD with R-square of
0.9996 and R-square (adjusted) of 0.9992.

3.5.2.2 Results of analysis of variance for minimum gold thickness coating (Y2)
Results of analysis of variance for minimum gold thickness coating (Y2) are illustrated in
Table 8. It indicated that all of factors affected minimum gold thickness coating,
two-factor interaction except CD, three-factor interaction except ACD and four-factor
interaction factors affected minimum gold thickness coating.
Table 8 Analysis of variance for minimum gold thickness coating (Y2)

Factorial fit: Y2 versus A, B, C, D

Estimated effect and coefficients for Y2 (coded units)
Term Effect Coef SE coef T P
Constant 4.5858 0.01536 392.15 0.000
A 4.2657 2.1328 0.01536 138.88 0.000
B 0.0898 0.0449 0.01536 2.93 0.010
C 0.2945 0.1473 0.01536 9.59 0.000
D 1.0412 0.5206 0.01536 33.90 0.000
A B 0.1962 0.0981 0.01536 6.39 0.000
A C –0.3860 –0.1930 0.01536 –12.57 0.000
A D 0.5032 0.2516 0.01536 16.38 0.000
B C 0.3486 0.1743 0.01536 11.35 0.000
B D –0.5360 –0.2680 0.01536 –17.45 0.000
C D –0.0030 –0.0015 0.01536 –0.10 0.924
A B C 0.2154 0.1077 0.01536 7.01 0.000
A B D –0.3409 –0.1704 0.01536 –11.10 0.000
A C D 0.0203 0.0101 0.01536 0.66 0.519
B C D 0.1198 0.0599 0.01536 3.90 0.001
A B C D 0.2195 0.1098 0.01536 7.15 0.000
S = 0.0868719 Press = 0.482990
R-sq = 99.93% R-sq (pred) = 99.70% R-sq (adj) = 99.86%

Regression equation was Yˆ2 = 4.5858 + 2.1328 A + 0.0449 B + 0.1473 C + 0.5206 D +

0.0981 AB – 0.1930 AC + 0.2516 AD + 0.1743 BC – 0.2680 BD + 0.1077 ABC – 0.1704
ABD + 0.0599 BCD + 0.1098ABCD with R-square of 0.9993 and R-square (adjusted) of
0.9986.
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 77

3.5.2.3 Results of analysis of variance for standard deviation of gold thickness

(Y3)
Results of analysis of variance for standard deviation of gold thickness (Y3) are illustrated
in Table 9. It indicated that A, C, D affected standard deviation of gold thickness.
Table 9 Analysis of variance for standard deviation of gold thickness (Y3)

Factorial fit: Y3 versus A, B, C, D

Estimated effect and coefficients for Y3 (coded units)
Term Effect Coef SE coef T P
Constant 0.30874 0.01451 21.28 0.000
A 0.26820 0.13410 0.01451 9.24 0.000
B –0.01204 –0.00602 0.01451 –0.41 0.684
C 0.07091 0.03546 0.01451 2.44 0.027
D 0.10116 0.05058 0.01451 3.49 0.003
A B 0.04419 0.02210 0.01451 1.52 0.147
A C 0.00284 0.00142 0.01451 0.10 0.923
A D 0.05647 0.02823 0.01451 1.95 0.069
B C 0.01029 0.00514 0.01451 0.35 0.728
B D –0.02083 –0.01042 0.01451 –0.72 0.483
C D 0.01615 0.00807 0.01451 0.56 0.586
A B C 0.00956 0.00478 0.01451 0.33 0.746
A B D –0.02743 –0.01371 0.01451 –0.95 0.359
A C D 0.02078 0.01039 0.01451 0.75 0.484
B C D 0.00187 0.00093 0.01451 0.06 0.950
A B C D –0.03878 –0.01939 0.01451 –1.34 0.200
S = 0.0820896 Press = 0.431277
R-sq = 87.70% R-sq (pred) = 50.79% R-sq (adj) = 76.16%

Regression equation was Yˆ3 = 0.30870 + 0.13410 A + 0.03546 C + 0.05058D with

R-square of 0.8770 and R-square (adjusted) of 0.7616.

3.5.2.4 Results of analysis of variance for percentage of gold on stainless sheet

(Y4)
Results of analysis of variance for percentage of gold on stainless sheet (Y4) are
illustrated in Table 10. It indicated that B, C, D affected percentage of gold on stainless
sheet and BC interaction affected percentage of gold on stainless sheet.
78 C. Anurattananon et al.

Table 10 Analysis of variance for percentage of gold on stainless sheet (Y4)

Factorial fit: Y4 versus A, B, C, D

Estimated effect and coefficients for Y4 (coded units)
Term Effect Coef SE coef T P
Constant 77.301 0.2796 276.51 0.000
A –0.023 –0.011 0.2796 –0.04 0.968
B –2.002 –1.001 0.2796 –3.58 0.002
C –12.485 –6.243 0.2796 –22.33 0.000
D 6.448 3.224 0.2796 11.53 0.000
A B –0.227 –0.114 0.2796 –0.41 0.690
A C 0.090 0.045 0.2796 0.16 0.875
A D 0.223 0.111 0.2796 0.40 0.695
B C 1.935 0.968 0.2796 3.46 0.003
B D 0.002 0.001 0.2796 0.00 0.997
C D –1.040 –0.520 0.2796 –1.86 0.081
A B C 0.310 0.155 0.2796 0.56 0.586
A B D 0.627 0.314 0.2796 1.12 0.279
A C D –0.715 –0.357 0.2796 –1.28 0.219
B C D –0.760 –0.380 0.2796 –1.36 0.193
A B C D –0.285 –0.143 0.2796 –0.51 0.617
S = 1.58141 Press = 160.056
R-sq = 97.65% R-sq (pred) = 90.61% R-sq (adj) = 95.45%

Figure 28 The optimisation of parameter (see online version for colours)

 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 79

Regression equation was Yˆ4 =77.301 – 1.001 B – 6.243 C + 3.224 D + 0.968 BC with
R-square of 0.9765 and R-square (adjusted) of 0.9545.

3.6 Parameter optimisation

The optimisation of parameter is illustrated in Figure 28.
The optimum level of coating time (A) was –0.84 in coded level (17 minutes in
natural level). The optimum level of gold solution concentration (B) was 0 in coded level
(4 grams per litre in natural level). The optimum level of coating current was 0.2 in coded
level (0.6 ampere per decimetre square in natural level). The optimum level of
temperature was 1.0 in coded level (60 degree Celsius in natural level).

3.7 Experimental confirmation

The response result from an experimental confirmation by using optimum level of four
factors is illustrated in Table 11.
Table 11 The response results by using optimum level of four factors

Run Y1 (Um) Y2 (Um) Y3 (Um) Y4 (%)

1 3.52 3.07 0.27 75.4
2 3.48 3.1 0.35 77.2
3 3.46 3.12 0.31 76.5
4 3.38 3.13 0.23 75.2
5 3.42 3.02 0.27 75.8
6 3.44 3.02 0.39 77.3
7 3.39 3.1 0.45 77
8 3.43 3.16 0.20 76.3
9 3.51 3.31 0.12 76.7
10 3.49 3.01 0.32 77.8
Average 3.45 3.10 0.29 76.52

The prediction of Y1 was 3.3948 Um but Y1 from experiment was 3.45 Um. There was
error percentage of 1.85%. The prediction of Y2 was 3.1654 Um but Y2 from experiment
was 3.10 Um. There was error percentage of 2.85%. The prediction of Y3 was 0.2538 Um
but Y3 from experiment was 0.29 Um. There was error percentage of 32.08%. The
prediction of Y4 was 79.2764 % but Y4 from experiment was 76.52%. There was error
percentage of 3.48%.

4 Conclusions

The optimum level of coating time (A) was –0.84 in coded level (17 minutes in natural
level). The optimum level of gold solution concentration (B) was 0 in coded level
(4 grams per litre in natural level). The optimum level of coating current was 0.2 in coded
level (0.6 ampere per decimetre square in natural level). The optimum level of
80 C. Anurattananon et al.

temperature was 1.0 in coded level (60 degree Celsius in natural level). The prediction of
Y1 was 3.3948 Um but Y1 from experiment was 3.45 Um. There was error percentage of
1.85%. The prediction of Y2 was 3.1654 Um but Y2 from experiment was 3.10 Um. There
was error percentage of 2.85%. The prediction of Y3 was 0.2538 Um but Y3 from
experiment was 0.29 Um. There was error percentage of 32.08%. The prediction of Y4
was 79.2764 % but Y4 from experiment was 76.52%. There was error percentage of
3.48%. The comparison of responses in normal practice and testing response was
illustrated in Table 12.
Table 12 The comparison of responses in normal practice and testing response

Normal practice Testing

Run
Mean Min %Au Time Mean Min %Au Time
1 3.56 3.11 77.40 22.00 3.52 3.07 75.40 17.00
2 3.80 3.49 81.90 22.00 3.48 3.10 77.20 17.00
3 3.60 3.43 80.30 22.00 3.46 3.12 76.50 17.00
4 4.41 3.72 81.50 20.00 3.38 3.13 75.20 17.00
5 3.59 3.44 80.10 20.00 3.42 3.02 75.80 17.00
6 3.32 3.09 79.50 20.00 3.44 3.02 77.30 17.00
7 3.16 3.04 80.30 20.00 3.39 3.10 77.00 17.00
8 3.46 3.26 80.80 20.00 3.43 3.16 76.30 17.00
9 3.59 3.12 81.10 21.00 3.51 3.31 76.70 17.00
10 3.27 3.18 81.40 21.00 3.49 3.01 77.80 17.00
Mean 3.58 3.29 80.43 20.80 3.45 3.10 76.52 17.00
SD 0.35 0.22 1.29 0.92 0.05 0.09 0.85 0.00
Var 0.12 0.05 1.67 0.84 0.0026 0.01 0.73 0.00

From the experiment, coating time was reduced by 4.20 minutes (19.81% of old coating
time). Gold thickness mean was reduced by 0.13 micron (3.63% of gold thickness means
from normal practice). Minimum gold thickness coating was reduced by 0.19 micron
(5.78% of minimum gold thickness coating from normal practice). Standard deviation of
gold thickness was reduced by 0.3 micron (85.71% of standard deviation of gold
thickness from normal practice). Percentage of gold on stainless sheet was reduced by
3.91% (4.86% of percentage of gold on stainless sheet from normal practice). It was also
found that maximum gold thickness of standard criteria was reduced from 3.75 micron to
3.55 micron. The quantity of specimens which had gold thickness excess was reduced by
3.55 micron.
Coating time was the most influence factor for controlling gold thickness mean,
minimum gold thickness coating and standard deviation of gold thickness. Coating
current was the most influence factor for controlling percentage of gold on stainless
sheet.
 Parameter optimisations for gold electroplating of gold jewellery 81

5 Discussion

If we use the optimum level of factors, it can improve the quality of gold coating of
specimens. So this research gives beneficial outcome to the jewellery manufacture. It can
improve better manufacturing process in gold jewellery electroplating. Future scope of
research is the study of effect of position of specimen lining on stick. This affects
magnetic line of force which may be another factor affecting quality of gold coating.

References
Chanwieng, W. and Jareonjai, N. (2008) The Decrease of Quality Variance in Electroplating
Industry, Thesis of Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai
University.
Electroplating [online] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroplating (accessed November 2016).
Gadalla, H.H. et al. (2016) ‘Amidated Pectin/sodium carboxymethylcellulose Microspheres as a
new carrier for colonic drug targeting: development an d optimization by factorial design’,
Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol. 153, No. 20, pp.526–534.
Gold plating [online] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_plating (accessed August 2016).
http://reliawiki.org/index.php/Two_Level_Factorial_Experiment (accessed November 2016).
http://www.bondedinfo.com/manufacturing (accessed November 2016).
Lechman, H. (2014) ‘A pre-Columbian technique for electrochemical replacement plating of gold
and silver on copper objects’, JOM, Vol. 31, No. 12, p.154.
Manuskiatkul, S. (2006) Techniques of Jewelry Electroplating, 1st ed., Department of Industrial
Promotion, Bangkok.
Nagarajan, V., Mohanty, A. and Misra, M. (2016) ‘Reactive compatibilization of Polytrimethylene
Terephthalate (PTT) and Polylactic acid (PLA) using Terpolymer, Factorial design
optimization of mechanical properties’, Materials and Design, Vol. 110, pp.581–591.
Ploypanichjareon, K. (2008) Process Capability Process Analysis. Association of Promotion
Technology(Thailand-Japan), 5th ed., Bangkok, Thailand.
Ploypanichjareon, K. (2010) Measurement System Analysis. Association of Promotion
Technology(Thailand-Japan), 2nd ed., Bangkok, Thailand.
Ravandi, G.E. et al. (2016) ‘Sensitivity analysis of effective parameters on water curtain
performance for crude oil storage in Iranian URC using the 2k factorial design and numerical
modeling’, Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 58, pp.247–256.
Shutima, P. (2003) Engineering Experimental Design, 1st ed., Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok.
Solution Center Minitab (2007) Minitab 15, 1st ed., Bangkok, Thailand.
Thongmee, S. (2009) The Improvement of Electroplating of Electronic Component Part, Thesis of
Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University.
Weisberg, A.M. (1997) Gold Plating, Products Finishing Magazine [online]
https://www.Pfonline.com/articles/gold-plating (accessed 4 March 2013).