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Have you ever thought about how a current helps a metal to produce an outer layer on the other metal just for the appearance? Let's discuss what is electroplating  and its process, method, and uses in this article. The definition of electroplating is a current that helps a metal to undergo plating on the metal's surface to create a membrane on the metal. The electroplating technique is used to reduce friction and enhance conductivity. To learn more about electroplating and its process and applications, continue reading the article

What is Electroplating and Its Types

Electroplating is a process that uses electricity to coat the surface of an object with a thin layer of metal. This is done to improve the object's appearance, prevent corrosion, reduce friction, or achieve other desirable surface properties. The types of electroplating methods are listed below. 

Rack Plating Method

The fixtures or a metal frame mount the individual metal parts on racks. The plating solution immerses the individual parts. Larger or complex parts also benefit from this approach, which ensures the best electric touchpoint for an improved electroplating process. 

Pulse Plating Method

The pulse plating technique is an advanced electroplating method that applies current in pulses. The pulse pattern can be altered whenever needed as a waveform to manage the electroplating process steps. It functions both when the current is on and off. 

Barrel Plating Method

Barrel plating is an electroplating method that coats a huge number of small metals all together. Plastic barrels rotate to coat the metal. This technique is best suited for screws, pins, or nuts. In addition, it is cost-efficient and easy to automate. 

Electroplating Process Steps

To explain the process of electroplating requires a few step-by-step processes. Below is a list of the method's five crucial steps. 

1. Object Preparation: Initially, the object is cleaned to remove spots, dirt, grease, and waste particles. Basically, the chosen object must be metal.
2. Electrolyte Process: The metal must consist of required ions. If the metal is copper, silver, or gold, it is necessary to specify the appropriate ion for each metal. For example, with silver or gold, it is necessary to specify the appropriate ion for that silver or gold. It is necessary to specify the appropriate ion that the particular silver metal requires for the electroplating process.
3. Fix the Circuit: Connect the plated metal to the direct current in the negative terminal (cathode). The other metal part must be touched with the positive terminal (anode).
4. Electrolysis: The current reduces the metal ions to increase the electrons. This method helps to make a sleek layer on the metal during the electroplating process.
5. Final Polish: The electroplating process now produces thick metals. The object is removed from the process and washed and polished later. 

Materials Used in Electroplating

Coating Metal

The coating metal refers to the object, part of the vehicle, or metal that undergoes the coating process. The object metals are tin, gold, iron, nickel, and more. Each metal is used for specific purposes. 

Electrolyte Solution

The metal plating needs metal ions that help the object reach an electrolyte solution. For example, to achieve copper plating, the copper metal requires copper sulphate. 

Anode and Cathode

The positive shell is called an anode, and the negative shell is called a cathode. The electroplating cathode and anode play an essential role in the technique, where the copper metal needs copper electrons and the silver metal requires silver electrons. 

Other Metals and Chemicals

The extra chemicals used in the electroplating process include buffers, agents, levelers, and more. The additional chemicals help in providing the glossy appeal of the metal and a smooth finish.  

Core Applications of Electroplating

Have you ever thought about what are the uses of electroplating? Here is your complete solution of electroplating applications and uses. 

Ornaments

Electroplating is helpful when coating ordinary jewelry with real gold or silver. This procedure enhances the appeal and value. This method even makes a few imitation jewellery copper metal requires copper sulphate in order to achieve

Automotive Industries

The electroplating process enhances the visual appeal of automotive tools. For example, grilles, bumpers, bonnets, and other parts are designed to be resistance-free. 

Medals, Shields and Coins

Electroplating is used to coat medals, coins, and shields so they look real and powerful. Essentially, designers create these for various tournaments and competitions. 

Tool Manufacturing Industry

For longevity of metals, many industrial tools are electroplated with chromium after the tool manufacturing process itself. 

Medical Tools 

Some of the surgical tools and equipment are made to undergo electroplating to enhance biocompatibility and durability. 

Households Tools

Household products such as restroom pipes, metals, cutlery, or kitchenware undergo electroplating to enhance their longevity and real appeal. Chromium and nickel are used to electroplate these tools. 

Final Thoughts

To learn what is electroplating process is, it is necessary to understand its methods, uses, and types to explore each step of the plating process. Electroplating involves cathode and anode electrolyte solutions to coat the metal object. Are you looking for an eco-friendly electroplating service? Then, Eigen Engineering is the right place for you. They serve electroplating services worldwide with cutting-edge plating methodologies and eco-smart methods. Choose Eigen Engineering for reliability, expertise, and availability. Begin your journey with Eigen engineering for a productive electroplating service!