Drum Plating

Tumble Electropolishing

Tumble electropolishing is a process that is used to finish surfaces of a variety of metals and alloys, resulting in a bright, lustrous finish. It is also a process used to polish bearing races, axle beams and other components of automotive, aerospace and marine applications.

The tumble electropolishing process begins by placing the components into a stainless steel or plastic drum. The drum is then filled with an electrolyte solution, which is a combination of caustic, acid, salts and other additives. An anode will be inserted into the drum and high voltage current is applied to the solution, typically between 10 and 40 volts.

The current causes the electrolyte to become electrically charged. This causes an electrochemical reaction which etches away at the surface of the surfaces contained within the drum. This etching causes the surface to become smoother and brighter. The components will remain in the solution for a certain amount of time, typically 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the surface conditions and the desired finish.

After the allotted time, the components will be removed from the drum and washed in water. If necessary, the components can be further polished by hand. Additional treatments may also be applied for enhanced brightness.

The advantages of tumble electropolishing are numerous. It is a cost effective process that requires minimal labor and yields excellent results. It also helps to reduce corrosion and meets surface uniformity requirements, making it an ideal choice for many industries.

Finally, tumble electropolishing is a relatively safe process that is both environmentally friendly and efficient. This process uses minimal amounts of hazardous chemicals as it is contained entirely within the drum. As long as proper safety protocols are observed, the tumble electropolishing process is a reliable and efficient way to achieve consistent, uniform finishes on many surfaces.

Roll barrel electroplating, also known as barrel plating, is a method of electroplating which involves immersing a number of small parts in a rotating barrel that is filled with an electrolyte solution. The solution contains dissolved metal salts which serve as the source of metal deposition, when a direct current is passed through it. During the process, the metal ions are reduced to metal at the cathode and are deposited onto the parts.

This type of plating is employed to plate small items, such as jewelry and fasteners, that can’t be processed economically with rack plating. Since the entire barrel is filled with an electrolyte solution, the parts are able to receive a uniform and consistent coating. The parts are usually loaded into the drum which is then placed on a vibratory drive causing it to rotate. Meanwhile, the drum is electrostatically charged, which causes the parts to move and tumble in the drum. This ensures that all surfaces are contacted by the metal solution, ensuring metal deposition on all parts.

This method of electroplating offers reliable, high-quality results when operated and maintained properly. Generally, metal parts that are plated in this way feature a bright finish, with a uniform color and thickness. The lifespan of the parts is also increased, since the metal plating can protect them from chemical and environmental damage, as well as wear and tear.

The main benefits of roll barrel electroplating include its speed and high-throughput capabilities. It allows for processing a large number of small parts quickly and with uniform coverage, compared to rack plating. It is also a cost-effective process since it only requires a small amount of metal salts and fewer labor costs due to its automated operation. Additionally, due to its enclosed nature, the solution’s bath life is enhanced.