OpenGalvanic : Open-Source Electrochemical Process Controller

OpenGalvanic is a free, open-source framework that will be designed to modernize and automate the world of electro-chemistry. While traditional electrochemical processes such as electro-polishing, plating, and etching—rely on "dumb" power supplies and manual supervision, OpenGalvanic introduces a "digital brain" powered by the ESP32. By shifting the focus from static voltage to a dynamic, sensor-driven feedback loop, the system ensures that the precise amount of current required for a perfect finish is maintained regardless of changes in the electrolyte’s temperature, concentration, or the surface area of the object being processed. This project bridges the gap between artisanal craftsmanship and industrial precision, providing a high-performance platform that is accessible to hobbyists, researchers, and small-scale manufacturers alike.

At its core, OpenGalvanic is defined by its sophisticated control logic and real-time telemetry. The ESP32 firmware implements a high-speed PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) algorithm that monitors "real current" reaching the workpiece, making micro-adjustments to the power output in milliseconds to prevent "burning" or pitting. Simultaneously, the system manages a synchronized agitation engine via PWM, ensuring optimal ion exchange at the metal's surface for a mirror-like finish. This hardware layer is seamlessly integrated with a responsive, web-based UI that serves as a professional HMI (Human-Machine Interface). Users can monitor live data graphs, adjust agitation speeds, and set safety interlocks from any smartphone or laptop, allowing for a "set it and forget it" workflow that was previously only available in expensive, proprietary industrial setups.

By releasing OpenGalvanic as a FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) project, the goal is to create a community standard for electrochemical control. Because the system is generalized, its applications extend far beyond jewelry; it is a powerful tool for restoring vintage automotive parts through electrolysis, precision-etching copper PCBs, or anodizing medical-grade titanium. OpenGalvanic empowers users to move away from vendor lock-in and expensive proprietary hardware, offering instead a transparent, hackable, and scalable ecosystem. Whether it is used for high-end gold finishing or laboratory-grade scientific research, OpenGalvanic provides the precision, safety, and data-logging capabilities necessary to master the art and science of electro-chemistry.