What is the electroplating process like?

Electroplating process is a method of plating a layer of metal on a conductor by using the principle of electrolysis. Electroplating refers to a surface treatment method, in which the cations of the pre-plated metal are deposited on the surface of the base metal by electrolysis in a salt solution containing the pre-plated metal, and the plated base metal is used as a cathode to form a coating.

The performance of the coating is different from that of the base metal, and it has new characteristics. According to the function of coating, it can be divided into protective coating, decorative coating and other functional coatings.

In the electroplating process, the plated metal or other insoluble materials are used as the anode, the plated workpiece is used as the cathode, and the cations of the plated metal are reduced on the surface of the plated workpiece to form a coating. It can enhance the corrosion resistance of metals (corrosion-resistant metals are mostly used in electroplating), increase hardness, prevent wear, and improve conductivity, smoothness, heat resistance and beautiful surface.

Extended data

According to the purpose of classification can be divided into:

① Protective coatings: such as zinc, nickel, cadmium, tin, cadmium and tin coatings, which are used as anti-corrosion coatings against the atmosphere and various corrosive environments;

2 protection. Decorative coatings: such as Cu-Ni-Cr and Ni-Fe-Cr composite coatings, which are both decorative and protective;

③ Decorative coating: such as gold, silver and copper. Three-proof gold coating, black chromium coating, black nickel coating, etc.

(4) Repairable coating: for example, electroplating Ni, Cr and Fe to repair some high-cost parts that are easy to wear or parts with out-of-tolerance processing;

⑤ Functional coating: Ag, Au and other conductive coatings; Magnetically permeable coatings, such as nickel-iron, iron-cobalt and nickel-cobalt; High temperature oxidation resistant coatings, such as Cr and Pt-Ru; Reflective coatings such as silver and chromium; Antireflective coatings, such as black chromium and black nickel; Hard chromium, nickel. Silicon carbide and other wear-resistant coatings; Ni. VIEE，Ni。 C (graphite) antifriction coating etc. Solderable coatings such as lead, copper, tin and silver; Anti-carburizing copper plating, etc.