Electroplating is an important and indispensable link in the modern industrial chain and is used in numerous industries such as mechanical engineering, electronics, automobiles, aerospace, etc. It plays a role in decorating, protecting and improving the functionality of various industrial products so that they can meet various practical requirements.
What is electroplating?
What is electroplating? Electroplating is one of the post-processing processes from prototype design to mass production. Electroplating can give a product a beautiful appearance and at the same time provide protection against corrosion.
Electroplating is also known as galvanic deposition. The five basic hardware components for this process are a DC power supply, a plating bath, a plating solution containing ions of the galvanized metal, anodes (the layer of metal to be electroplated), and cathodes (the part to be processed). , also as conductive rods, cables and hooks. By connecting these five hardware components into a conductive circuit, the accumulation of plating ions on the surface of the processed part is achieved through the transfer of electrons, reducing it to a metallic coating.
How does electroplating work?
The electroplating process is the use of an electrolytic cell that requires two different metals, an electrolyte solution, two electrodes, and a battery or other power source that produces electrical current.
First, determine which anode, cathode, and electrolyte to use by determining what chemical reaction or reactions should occur when the electrical current is turned on.
The next step is to ensure that the electrodes you want to electroplate are completely clean. If metal atoms from the electrolyte were deposited on them, they would not form a strong bond and would be washed away. Cleaning is usually done by placing the electrodes in an acidic solution or mixture or by reversing the plating circuit (briefly). If the electrode is exceptionally clean, the galvanic metal atoms form a strong bond with it, adhering to the outer edges of the crystallographic object.
A positive ion is an atom with few electrons. When they reach the cathode, they combine with electrons and lose their positive charge. A negatively charged ion is an atom with many electrons. When they reach the positive anode, they transfer electrons to the anode and lose their negative charge.
In one form of electroplating, the metal to be galvanized is at the anode of the circuit and the material to be galvanized is at the cathode. After a reaction time, the positively charged metal molecules slowly migrate to the negatively charged metal surface and form a very thin layer called a coating.
Materials are used in the electroplating process
There are many different types of metal materials that are suitable for post-galvanizing. These include nickel, chromium, brass, cadmium, copper sulfate, gold, silver, tin and zinc. Nickel and brass are commonly used. We can recommend suitable metal materials and electroplating solutions for your project according to your specific electroplating needs.
Which plastics can be galvanized?
In addition to metallic materials, many different plastics can also be coated in this way, including ABS, phenolic plastics, urea formaldehyde, nylon and polycarbonate. Galvanized plastic parts are commonly found in cars, plumbing, household and electrical appliances that look like metal but are actually made of galvanized plastic.
How are plastics galvanized?
As you know, thick layers of plastic never conduct electricity. In practice, this means we have to treat our plastic differently to make it electrically conductive. This process involves several steps. Firstly, the plastic must be thoroughly cleaned to remove contaminants such as dust, dirt, grease and scratches on the surface. The surface is then etched with acid and treated with a catalyst (a chemical reaction accelerator) to ensure the coating adheres to it. Now let's dip it in a solution of copper or nickel sulfate to cover it with a thin layer of highly conductive metal. By applying these steps properly, plastic is galvanized like metal.
Electroplating Application
Auto Industry
Electroplating is used in the automotive industry to extend the life of a vehicle, improve its dynamics and enhance its decorative properties. For example, the chrome plating on the shock absorber connections has a positive effect on the corrosion resistance and lubricity of the shock absorber connections. Modern automotive decorative parts use electroplating process, which fulfills the function of thermal vibration resistance, decoration and corrosion resistance.
Electronics industry
Electroplating is an important anti-corrosion means for electronic products, which can beautify the appearance and improve the texture and decorative properties of products. Additionally, electronics companies often use gold plating to improve electrical conductivity. They are applied to semiconductors and connectors. Functional coating is of great importance for electronic products.
jewelry industry
With the advancement of society and the advancement of people's aesthetic sense, the modern gold and silver jewelry processing industry has developed many types of plating available for jewelry plating, such as gold plating, silver plating, platinum plating, rhodium plating, palladium plating, etc. for plating jewelry in precious metals, in addition to plating with rose gold, black gold, etc. Jewelry designers and manufacturers rely on this process to enhance the color, durability and beauty of rings, bracelets, pendants and many other items.
Medical industry
Electroplating is used in the medical industry to improve the functionality of various aspects of medical devices. For example, galvanic aluminum, galvanic steel, and other metals can be used to conduct heat and electricity, provide good wear and corrosion resistance, form strong welds, create antibacterial and biocompatible surfaces, and produce markers and braided catheter bundles that do not are affected by X-rays can be penetrated.
aerospace industry
The electroplating process is one of the most effective means of improving the surface properties of materials used in the aerospace industry. Coating, a naturally smooth and thin surface, improves the wear resistance of aerospace components. For example, zinc-nickel can reduce the effects of thermal stress on aircraft components, and the nickel layer and titanium alloy material have good bonding ability, which can improve the surface properties of titanium electroplating.
Oil and gas industry
The electroplating process can greatly protect oil and gas tools and other components from corrosion, improving overall performance and longevity. Applications of the electroplating process can be found in other areas, such as decorative items, defense and military industries. Electroplating is also becoming increasingly common.
10 benefits of electroplating
The layer applied by electroplating is called electroplating layer and can protect the base material from environmental corrosion, improve the appearance of the base material and improve aesthetics.
Depending on the application, galvanic coating layers can be divided into three categories: protective, protective, decorative and functional. Functional coating layers include wear-resistant, anti-friction, conductive and optical layers, suitable for various fields. Depending on the requirements of the industry served, the appropriate coating layer is selected.
(1) Formation of a protective barrier
A coating layer forms on the part substrate, which serves as protection against corrosion. It can extend the service life of parts, increase their service life and reduce the replacement rate.
(2) Improves appearance
Products coated with a galvanic layer look brighter and more attractive. When it comes to jewelry in particular, manufacturers can use electroplating as a cost-effective method to improve overall product quality and increase competitiveness.
(3) Reduce friction
For example, electroplating with a nickel-molybdenum disulfide composite layer has a lubricating effect. The mechanical intercalation in the nickel layer can not only reduce the friction factor of the friction conveyor, but also effectively prevent the high load caused by adhesive wear, and the friction reduction performance is good.
(4) Improve electrical conductivity
Silver plating is an extremely efficient process for producing electrical and electronic components as it improves the conductivity of the product and is a cost-effective solution for improving electrical conductivity.
(5) Absorption of excess hydrogen gas
It can absorb excess hydrogen gas that is normally produced during the production of automobile catalytic converters. This can improve the performance of catalytic converters.
(6) Prevents the formation of mustaches
Zinc whiskers are formed by stresses in the coating deposit created by internal or external forces. External stresses can arise, for example, from product post-processing, repeated bending or thermal expansion.
During the manufacturing process, zinc-nickel alloy coatings can be applied to the metal parts of the raised floor components. These coatings are considered “zinc whisker-free” zinc-nickel alloys that prevent the formation of whisker tips during certain manufacturing operations and can also significantly reduce the risk of arcing and short circuits in electrical components and assemblies caused by by whiskers coming loose from the material. .
Damage occurs due to arcing and short circuits in components due to detachment of the whiskers.
(7) Thermal resistance
Galvanic coatings have good heat resistance, for example, gold-plated or galvanized nickel layers can withstand extremely high temperatures; Using these metallic coatings can protect engine components from damage caused by extreme temperatures, extending their lifespan.
(8) Generation of magnetism
The most common reason to coat or finish magnets is to prevent corrosion. If your magnet is used outdoors, exposed to the elements, or in a humid environment, corrosion will be inevitable in untreated magnets. Electroless nickel plating is often used in magnetic applications such as manufacturing computer hard drives. Magnetism makes the plate easier to read.
(9) Increase hardness
Certain alloy materials are brittle and break easily due to mechanical stress and impact. A metallic coating or protective coating adds a protective layer to parts and makes fragile materials more durable and stable. The coated surface of the parts is less susceptible to damage from impacts or drops, which can extend the service life.
(10) Absorption of light and energy
Black nickel chemical plating absorbs the light and energy needed for many manufacturing processes in the aerospace, automotive and aviation industries. It ensures compliance with Department of Defense guidelines and other industry standards.
Summary
The quality of the basic raw materials used in copper electroplating is directly related to the quality of the product and the production costs of electroplating. The way in which the quality and costs of these raw materials can be controlled depends largely on the selection of suppliers.
Therefore, supplier selection is also an important task in electroplating and drum coating production management. Determining the best manufacturing option is fundamental to the efficiency of your business. Electroplating is a functional and economically advantageous option for a variety of applications, but you must work with the right coating company to reap the full benefits. Rack plating, chemical plating, and chrome plating also help increase production levels for manufacturing companies.
