Objects may be electroplated for protection or to enhance their appearance. Very often, the object itself is made from a much cheaper material than the plating. Plating may protect the material underneath. Tin plate on steel cans stops the steel from corroding. Chromium Plating was once common on cars to prevent bumpers and headlights from rusting.
Electroplating is the process of using hydrolysis for plating one metal onto another. The process of electroplating is extensively used to modify the surface properties such as rust resistance and abrasion of objects. This process involves the use of an electric current, which is passed through the electrolyte (solution) containing two terminals called as electrodes. These electrodes are connected through a circuit with the power supply or battery. On passing an electric current through the circuit, the electrolyte in the solution splits up and some atoms from the metal are deposited on the top of one of the electrodes in the form of a thin layer. Metals like copper, gold, nickel, zinc, silver, cadmium, chromium, and tin are used in the electroplating process. This process is considered to be an important aspect in the production of electrical and electronic appliances, as it provides a coating on the surface of the metal of components used in these appliances. This helps in improving corrosion resistance, improves the conductivity of electricity, and enhances the solderability of the substrates. There are various applications of electroplating.
Mass plating is one of the types of electroplating that is used to plate a large volume of components in little to no time. To perform mass plating, a barrel is loaded with parts and then placed inside a container, which is filled with the coating material. Following this, the barrel is rotated to ensure that all the components inside the barrel are evenly coated for protection from corrosion. Mass plating is one of the most common types of electroplating and is one of the processes with the maximum applications. However, the mass plating process also brings parts in contact with one another, which can create an adverse effect on the coatings. So, another electroplating process can be used for components that require a high degree of aesthetic appeal. Following are the common examples of parts or components that undergo these types of electroplating: Bolts, Nuts, Screws, Washers, Pins and Electrical Connectors.
Rack plating is used to electroplate large, complex, and brittle parts that are tough to plate using other methods. In this process, parts are mounted to a “rack” and then immersed in a plating solution. This method provides uniform distribution of coating since the rack holds different parts that are plated at the same time. These types of electroplating processes are common in aluminum and zinc, and chrome and nickel are commonly used as plating solutions. Shape, size, and quantity of the parts must be considered before settling on this process.
In continuous plating items like tubes, wires, and strips are plated by running them continuously through a plating solution, one after the other. This process involves the even distribution of the coating material, such as zinc, aluminum, or tin, onto a metal like steel. It helps to enhance the corrosion resistance, appearance, wear, or other properties of a metal. Continuous plating provides even distribution of the coating and the electric current.
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