Electroplating is one finishing process that has applications in a wide range of industries. This process improves parts’ appearance and properties. Initially, metals can only be electroplated with other metals, but with the recent technological advancement, improving non-metals with this process is available too.
Besides, electroplating can combine the desirable properties of certain metals with other materials. These properties often include strength, abrasion, appearance, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity. Moreover, this process aims to boost or improve the material’s properties. The material could be metals, plastic, or even wood.
Aside from this information above, how does electroplating work? What metal materials are ideal for use in this process? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this plating process? Keep reading as we provide answers to these questions and other important things you need to know about the electroplating process.
Electroplating is a coating process that has been around since the early 19th century. Although there has been advancement in the technology used, the basic process remains the same.
Electroplating simply means coating an object or a material with a metallic layer or layers using electric current. This process also termed electrodeposition, results in the deposition of a thin layer of metal onto a material. Consequently, this process aims to alter the material’s physical properties, also called the substrate.
Additionally, due to the electroplating process, the substrate has better aesthetic appeal, corrosion protection, and increased resistance to wear and tear or increased thickness.
Electroplating works by dissolving and depositing a metal onto another surface through an electric current. There are four primary components of this process.
So, how is electroplating done? Below are the steps of electroplating.
Place the anode (metal) and cathode (substrate) in the plating solution or electrolyte. Subsequently, introduce electricity to the setup through the anode.
Consequently, on the introduction of electricity to the anode, oxidation occurs. The result forms the dissolution of metal atoms in the plating solution as positive ions (cations). Furthermore, the current in the circuit causes the movement of the metal ions (positively charged ions) to the negatively charged substrate. This results in the deposition of a thin metal layer on the substrate.
Also, for the electroplating process to be successful, always remember the following points. Firstly, the electric current’s quality affects the plating process Quality here includes the voltage level and electric current application time.
Secondly, the chemical composition of the electrolyte and its temperature also determine the effectiveness of the process. Lastly, always consider the position of the anode to the cathode. This is because the distance the dissolved metal ions travel to get to the substrate also determines how effective the plating would be.
However, for plating to be optimal, engineers have to adhere to these precautions.
There are different types of electroplating methods to employ when coating a substrate. These include:
Let us discuss these methods in more detail.
This rotation causes the substrate within the barrel to tumble, facilitating the uniform application of the coating metal. Consequently, engineers use this type to achieve enhanced corrosion resistance and improved substrate appearance. In like manner, engineers also use barrel plating to improve a substrate’s resistance to wear and tear.
Also, since it allows the addition of more than one substrate inside the barrel, it provides a cheaper means of plating high-volume parts. This makes barrel plating ideal for plating fasteners and stampings. On the other hand, plating with this method takes more time since it requires a low electrical current.
Rack plating differs from barrel plating. In this case, substrates stay in one place. This method does not allow the freedom of movement seen in barrel plating. Also, it involves using metal racks with the substrates affixed to the racks with spring fingers, wires, or screws. As a result, the substrate remains immobile on immersion into the electrolyte.
Besides, it is important to note that engineers employ rack plating when working with delicate parts. In other words, parts might find it difficult to withstand the tumbling experience of barrel plating.
Additionally, rack plating is also ideal for use when the substrate is large or complex. It is the engineer’s choice when a high-quality finish is important, giving it application in medical and electronics, automotive as well as defense and military gadgets.
On the other hand, rack plating requires a lot of labor input for success, so it is quite expensive. Nonetheless, this plating method guarantees protection against damage to substrates during the plating process.
Reel to reel plating is both economical and efficient. It is a unique plating method because it allows the selective deposition of metals on a substrate. Often used for plating strips of manufactured or stamped products, reel-to-reel plating offers engineers more benefits than other plating types.
There are different types of reel-to-reel plating;
Generally, reel-to-reel plating is ideal for use when you want to plate a particular substrate area. Furthermore, it has a high plating rate and offers increased conductivity and durability to substrates. Materials plated using this method are also durable and resistant to corrosion. Besides, this plating method, when used on high-volume jobs, also saves costs.
The electroplating process can occur with either one metal or a combination of metals. There are many metals that engineers use for this process. However, below are the most common metals used.
Now that we know more about electroplating and why it is important to engineers and manufacturers, let’s discuss its merits and demerits.
Electroplating has applications in a wide range of industries. Let’s examine a few of them.
Aircraft components are often subject to a wide variation in temperature, so plating them helps increase their lifespan. Besides, it improves base metal’s resistance to wear and tear.
To achieve an aesthetic finish, automotive companies apply electroplating metals such as chrome and nickel to various car and motorcycle parts.
Medical and dental tools such as forceps and implants, including replacement joints, screws, and plates, come with electroplated parts. This layer makes them more corrosion-resistant.
Since producing a prototype of custom or low-volume metal parts traditionally is quite expensive, manufacturers now combine the process with 3D printing when prototyping. That way, saving cost and time.
Electroplating objects for electrical or solar power transmission helps improve their conductivity greatly. Besides, it improves their durability.
This is probably the industry with the highest application of this process. Manufacturers rely on this process to improve jewelry’s appearance and durability, such as bracelets, rings, pendants, etc.
Every electroplating process requires electrolysis as its base. However, what differentiates one electroplating process from another is the solution employed during the process as well as the expertise of the professional. If need metal parts with electroplating finishing, RapidDirect is your best bet.
To ensure your product stands out among competitors, RapidDirect applies a top-quality surface finish with exquisite materials meeting your requirements. Besides, we use high texturization standards to ensure a quality finish for metallic parts. Also, since we consider time an important factor in production, we shorten the production process using our self-owned factory and its established networks.
At RapidDirect, our manufacturing ability is versatile and aids in the production of high precision and top-notch metal parts, ranging from CNC machining machines to sheet metal fabrication services. Our sheet metal fabrication aids in the production of high precision and top-notch metal parts.
Besides, our strict quality assurance ensures you get high-quality metal parts with outstanding finishing and aesthetics. What’s more, you can get a quote for your electroplating, and other manufacturing needs easily by visiting our online platform.
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Get Instant QuoteThe electroplating process is one technology that has been around for a long time. It aids in the production of parts that have improved properties and are durable and aesthetically pleasing. For electroplating to be successful, it requires an anode, cathode, electrolyte, and power source.
Are you looking to electroplate an object? Doing so without proper guidance or training is a risky affair. So, it is best you visit RapidDirect for your electroplating needs.
Yes, it is possible to electroplate plastics. However, you cannot achieve this by immersing the plastic material in an electrolyte. This is because it requires a special plating technique.
What’s the Difference Between Electroplating and Electroforming?The main difference between them is that electroforming results in the creation of a new object while electroplating deposits a layer on an existing object called the substrate.
How does a Metal Get Deposited over Others During electroplating?It occurs through a process called electrodeposition. The plating metal is the anode, while the other metal or substrate is the cathode. Introducing electric charge through the anode results in the oxidation of the plating metal. The electric current in the setup carries and deposits this oxidized metal into the cathode.
If you have any questions on Barrel Electroplating Machine For Zinc Copper Nickel, Barrel Electroplating Equipment, Chrome Plating Machine, Zinc Plating Equipment. We will give the professional answers to your questions.