An Introduction to Electroplating and Metal Finishing

An Introduction to Electroplating and Metal Finishing

What is Electroplating?

Electroplating is a metallic coating process that employs electro-chemical principles through electrolysis. In this technique, an electrical current flows through a solution that contains metal ions, typically with metal anodes immersed in it. As this current passes, metal ions are deposited onto the cathode, which is the object undergoing electroplating, resulting in a protective or decorative metal coating.

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How is Electroplating done?

The electroplating process entails applying an electrical current through a specific chemical solution. The variations in chemical compositions and voltage levels yield different metal finishes, necessitating a skilled understanding of the procedures to deliver services that meet industry standards.

Why is electroplating & metal coating done?

Metal coating serves several significant purposes:

Engineering Applications

Electroplating is commonly applied in engineering, particularly on mechanical components and machinery parts. This process enhances mechanical properties such as abrasion resistance, wear resistance, lubricity, and corrosion protection. For instance, it’s frequent to electroplate nuts and bolts with special metal finishes to extend their lifespan against wear.

Aesthetic Applications

Items may be electroplated for visual enhancement, whether to restore outdated objects or to enhance small components' appearance. A practical illustration is electroplating an old, rusty car bumper with chrome to rejuvenate its look and shine.

What objects can be coated?

Primarily, electroplating is employed on metallic surfaces due to the engineering advantages it offers. Nevertheless, non-metallic objects can be made conductive using carbon paint, enabling them to undergo electroplating.

What metal finishes are available?

Dorsetware provides an extensive array of electroplating services, including nickel, copper, gold, and silver electroplating. Each metal finish possesses distinct characteristics and advantages. For example, electroless nickel is celebrated for its exceptional hardness and heat resistance, while chrome plating is often selected for its appealing aesthetic qualities.

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Dorsetware is a leading provider of plating and metal finishing services based in Dorset. For inquiries about our offerings or to explore our various finishes, please reach out to us via our contact form or directly.

Electroplating - Chemistry LibreTexts

Electroplating allows for a layer of one metal to be applied over another, mainly for aesthetic reasons or to protect a base metal from corrosion. It serves as a method for manufacturers to utilize cost-effective metals primarily, such as zinc or steel, while using different metals for surface finishing to achieve the desired protection or appearance.

The purpose of electroplating is multifaceted:

1. Appearance
2. Protection
3. Special surface properties
4. Engineering or mechanical properties

Electroplating's versatility makes it prevalent across industries including automotive, aerospace, electronics, jewelry, and household items.

Choosing the Electrolytes

Choosing the appropriate electrolyte is crucial for achieving the desired quality in plating. Electrolytes can consist of acids, bases, metal salts, or even molten salts, and various factors influence the selection, such as hardness, corrosion resistance, and brightness.

Preparing the Surface

Surface preparation is essential to guarantee cleanliness and eliminate contaminants that may disrupt adhesion during electroplating. This preparation entails several steps including cleaning, treatment, and rinsing, often employing specific solvents or mechanical methods.

Types of Electroplating

Electroplating can be categorized into several methods, with applications such as mass plating, rack plating, and continuous plating, each having specific procedures tailored for effective plating.

The Plating Metals

The categories of electroplating coatings typically include:

• Sacrificial Coating: Primarily for protection, often using metals like zinc.
• Decorative Coating: To enhance aesthetics, often using metals like copper and chromium.
• Functional Coatings: To fulfill specific operational requirements using metals such as gold and silver.

References

1. Kanani, N. Electroplating: Basic Principles, Processes and Practice; Elsevier Advanced Technology: Oxford, U.K., .

2. Lowenheim, Frederick Adolph. Modern Electroplating. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: J. Wiley and Sons, .
3. Blum, William, and George B. Hogaboom. Principles of Electroplating and Electroforming (electrotyping). 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Book Company Inc, . Print.
4. Petrucci, Ralph H., Harwood, William S., Herring, F. G., and Madura Jeffrey D. General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications. 9th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc., .

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