What is electroplating?
Electroplating is a process that is used to coat a metal surface with a thin layer of another metal. The original metal that is being plated is called the substrate. The metal that is being applied is called the deposit.
The most common type of electroplating is galvanic plating, which uses an electric current to reduce positively charged metal ions from a solution and coat a conductive surface with a thin layer. The current also serves to apply a charge to the material that is being electroplated. The charges on the substrate attract and bond with the positive ions in the solution, forming a layer of metal on the substrate.
The electroplating process is a multi-step process. First, the parts to be plated are thoroughly cleaned and a chemical that etches or removes any oils or other materials that might interfere with the electroplating is applied. The parts are then immersed in an electrically charged solution of the metal that is being deposited, and a voltage is applied. This causes the metal ions in the solution to be reduced and deposited on the surface of the part. The part is then rinsed and dried, and the electroplating complete.
Electroplating is used for a variety of reasons, including for protection and appearance. Plated metals have a much higher reflectivity than untreated metals, which can make them more attractive in appearance. Electroplating can also be used to protect surfaces from corrosion and wear. Metals such as chrome and nickel can be electroplated to a variety of substrates to provide superior wear resistance and corrosion protection.
Electroplating is used in a variety of industries. Automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics manufacturers use electroplating to provide protection and a professional finish. Hardware, jewelry, and musical instrument manufacturers use it to strengthen and beautify their products.
Electroplating can be applied to a variety of materials, including plastics, wood, and brass. Each material presents its own set of challenges and requires different levels of pre- and post-processing. Plating on plastics, for example, can be very tricky because plastic is not a good electrical conductor and can melt or distort when heated. For this reason, special procedures, such as conducting pre-heating operations or cooling baths, must be followed when plating plastics.
Electroplating is a time-honored and versatile process that can be used to provide protection and an aesthetic finish to a variety of materials. It is an important tool in the manufacturing of consumer products and can help to extend the life of products and make them more attractive.
