Electroforming

electroforming, also called Galvanoplasty, making duplicates by electroplating metal onto a mold of an object, then removing the mold. Intricate surface details are exactly reproduced by this process, which is used to make masters for pressing phonograph records. Electroforming is also used for reproducing medals and for making tubing with precisely controlled dimensions. Electrotyping (q.v.) is an electroforming process for making duplicate printing plates.