Abstract: Using HEC as a dispersant, the short carbon fibers were dispersed by rotary stir. The effects of HEC concentration, stirring speed and stirring time on short carbono fibers were studied. The microstructure of copper coating before and after dispersion of short carbon fibers was characterized by SEM. The results showed that after dispersion treatment, the dispersibility of short carbon fibers is significantly improved. The concentration of HEC in the water must keep moderate. The dispersion of short carbon fibers is not obvious when the concentration of HEC is too high or too low in the water. The dispersion ratio of short carbon fibers increases with the increasing stirring speed and time. When the stirring speed is controlled at 800 r/min and the stirring time is 30 minutes, the dispersion ratio of short carbon fibers rises to 98% at HEC concentration of 1.5 g/L. Copper coating layers of dispersed carbon fibers turn to smooth and uniform.