{"id":21334,"date":"2023-04-20T17:15:41","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T14:15:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/?p=21334"},"modified":"2024-03-18T12:58:53","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T10:58:53","slug":"electroplating-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/electroplating-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Electroplating Explained – How It Works, Types, Benefits & More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Electroplating is a common surface finishing process<\/a> in the manufacturing industry to coat a material (substrate) with another metal. In recent years, the process has undergone many advances, making it much more accurate and capable of working with a wider range of materials.<\/p>\n

In this article, we will explore the modern electroplating process to understand what it is, how it works, its benefits and limitations.<\/p>\n

What Is Electroplating?<\/h2>\n
Electroplating is a manufacturing process in which a thin layer of metal atoms is deposited to another material through electrolysis. The metal added is known as the deposition metal, and the underlying material or workpiece is known as the substrate material.<\/p>\n
By adding a layer of the desired metal, we can improve several physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the substrate, such as its strength, heat conductivity, electrical conductivity, abrasion and corrosion<\/a> resistance.<\/p>\n
Improving these properties can allow us to combine different metals<\/a> to achieve properties that perfectly suit different applications.<\/p>\n

How Does the Electroplating Process Work?<\/h2>\n
$\"electroplating$ <\/p>\n
The electroplating process works on the principle of the electrolytic cell.<\/p>\n
In this process, two metal rods are placed in an electrolyte. The rods act as electrodes when connected to the opposite terminals of a battery or power supply to create a potential difference. The electric current causes the electrolyte bath to disintegrate into dissolved metal ions, and the positively charged metal ions deposit on the negative electrode (cathode).<\/p>\n
These positively charged ions are part of the electrolyte. As they get deposited on the cathode, their concentration in the electrolyte reduces. By choosing a suitable element for the anode, we can replenish the concentration of the positive ions.<\/p>\n
For instance, if we need to coat brass with copper<\/a>, the brass becomes the substrate. Connecting it to the negative terminal makes it the cathode. We use an electrolyte, such as a copper sulfate solution, that gives positive copper ions upon disintegrating. On the other end, we use a copper anode to replenish the electrolyte’s positive ions.<\/p>\n
We can control the plate thickness, rate of metal deposition, surface finish, colour and many other factors by manipulating the process parameters. For example, using pure copper plates will give a better appearance than regular copper rods available in the market.<\/p>\n
Using this process, the material can be coated with one or more metals.<\/p>\n

Types of Electroplating Methods<\/h3>\n
Over the years, the electroplating process setup has evolved to suit different applications. By choosing a method in line with the application, the efficiency of the operation can be increased significantly.<\/p>\n
To choose the right one, we must first understand the different types. Overall, electroplating methods can be divided into four major types. These are:<\/p>\n
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Mass plating<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Rack plating<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Continuous plating<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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In-line plating<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mass Plating<\/h4>\n
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