In industrial design, the electroplating process is often used. First, let's understand what electroplating is. Electroplating is the process of coating a thin layer of other metals or alloys on the surface of some metals using the principle of electrolysis.
This process uses electrolysis to attach a metal film to the surface of metal or other materials to prevent metal oxidation (such as rust), which improves wear resistance, conductivity, light reflection, corrosion resistance (such as copper sulfate, etc.), aesthetics and other functions.
Schematic diagram of the electroplating process
Electroplating is divided into specific processes such as copper, gold, silver, chromium, nickel and zinc. In the field of industrial design, especially galvanizing, nickel plating and chrome plating are the most used. There must be some differences between these three methods, right?
01 Zinc plating
Definition:
Zinc plating refers to a surface treatment technology that coats a layer of zinc on the surface of metal, alloy or other materials for aesthetics and rust prevention.
Features: low cost, general protection against corrosion, silvery white color.
Applications: screws, circuit breakers and industrial supplies etc.
White zinc
Zinc color
02N ice plating
Definition:
The method of coating a layer of nickel on metal or certain nonmetals by electrolysis or chemical methods is called nickel plating.
Features: beautiful, can be used for decoration; High Price; slightly complicated crafts; the color is silvery white and yellow.
Application: Holder for energy-saving lamp and coins, etc.
03C chrome plating
Definition:
Chrome is a type of silvery-white metal with a blue tint.
The method of coating a layer of chromium on metal or some non-metals by electrolysis or chemical methods is called chrome plating.
Features: There are two types of chrome plating.
The first is for decorative purposes, with a brighter appearance, better resistance to abrasion, less rust than galvanization and better than oxidation.
The second type is to increase hardness and wear resistance, etc. of metal parts, which is the functionality of the part.
Application: Shiny decorative parts in household appliances, electronics and other products; taps etc
Zinc plating vs Nickel plating vs Chrome plating
Chrome plating is mainly used to increase surface hardness, improve appearance and prevent rust.
Chromium coating has good chemical stability, being resistant to most alkalis, sulfides, nitric acids and organic acids, but can be dissolved in hydrochloric acid and hot sulfuric acid.
Because chromium maintains its color and reflective ability for a long time, it is better than silver and nickel. The process usually involves electroplating.
Nickel plating provides wear resistance, anti-corrosion and rust prevention. It is typically applied in a thin layer, through electroplating or chemical methods.
Galvanizing is focused on improving appearance and preventing rust. Zinc is a reactive metal that can react with acids, making it the least corrosion resistant of the three and the most affordable.
In terms of cost, chromium is the most expensive, followed by nickel and then zinc. Note that there are two cladding methods: suspended cladding, which is more expensive, and barrel cladding, which is more affordable.
After he continued talking, some friends said, “No, it’s still the same, silly and unclear.” So I must admit that I might get confused if I keep talking about it. In this case, it may be easier to simply distinguish the different types of siding by color.
Extended Knowledge :
Electroplating production is mainly used to combat heavy metal pollution in wastewater and sewage. The government has strict controls on the expansion of the electroplating industry and has been reducing it year after year.
In China, the main electroplating processes are zinc, copper, nickel and chromium, with 50% zinc plating and 30% each for copper, chromium and nickel.
If the goal is to prevent rust, then zinc or cadmium coating can be used. If the focus is to prevent wear, then nickel or chrome plating is the best option.
