Introduction
Non-cyanide electroplating is an alternative to traditional cyanide plating. It is used for a variety of applications, from decorative finishes to protective coatings. Non-cyanide plating is much safer for both workers and the environment than traditional cyanide systems. Non-cyanide plating is also found to be very efficient and cost-effective. This paper will discuss the various types of non-cyanide electroplating, the process, and the cost savings and benefits associated with the process.
Types of Non-cyanide Plating
There are two types of non-cyanide plating, DMA and MA. DMA plating is a process that uses a chemical compound known as dimethacrylate as the electrolyte. This compound has a low toxicity and is also much less hazardous than cyanide compounds. In MA plating, a complex chemical compound made from a number of metal ions is used. These metal-ion complexes are very stable and provide a much more uniform and consistent coverage than the DMA process.
Process
The actual non-cyanide plating process itself is quite similar to traditional cyanide plating. The main difference is that instead of using cyanide, a metal ion-based or dimethacrylate compound is used. The metal ions are then electroplated onto the substrate using a conductive solution. There is also some pre-treatment required, such as degreasing, cleaning and etching, in order to ensure that the surface is properly prepared for plating.
Cost Savings and Benefits
One of the main advantages of using non-cyanide plating is that it is much cheaper than traditional cyanide systems. This is primarily due to the fact that it does not require the costly chemical processes associated with cyanide systems. Another advantage of non-cyanide plating is that it is more consistent and reliable than traditional systems. This results in fewer defects and a better overall finish on the substrate. Additionally, non-cyanide plating is much safer for both workers and the environment than traditional processes.
Conclusion
Non-cyanide electroplating is a viable alternative to traditional cyanide plating. It is more cost-effective and versatile than traditional systems, and is also much safer for both workers and the environment. Non-cyanide plating provides a consistent and reliable finish and can be used in a variety of applications, from decorative finishes to protective coatings. It is an important consideration for anyone looking to update or change their plating processes.
