Electroplating is a process that uses electrochemical principles

1. Introduction

Electroplating processing is a surface treatment technology that uses electrochemical principles to deposit a layer of other metals or alloys on a metal surface. The technology is widely used in modern industry, especially in the fields of aviation, electronics, automotive and construction. Electroplating not only enhances the corrosion and wear resistance of metals, but also improves electrical conductivity, reflectivity and aesthetics.


2.  the basic principle of electroplating processing

The basic principle of electroplating is the use of electrolysis, in the electrolyte solution containing the metal to be plated, through the action of the current, so that the plated metal ions in the cathode to reduce to metal, so as to form a layer of dense metal plating on the surface of the plated workpiece. Electroplating process involves the preparation of electrolyte, current control, temperature regulation and other aspects, need to be strictly controlled to ensure the quality of the coating.


3.  the process of electroplating
Electroplating process mainly includes the following steps:
Preparation: check whether the plating equipment and tools are complete, to ensure that the workplace is well ventilated, wearing protective equipment.
Cleaning workpiece: the workpiece to be processed for cleaning, remove surface oil, oxides and impurities, in order to ensure the quality of plating.
Anode treatment: according to the material and requirements of the workpiece, select the appropriate anode material and carry out pre-treatment.
Electroplating treatment: Place the workpiece into the electroplating tank for electroplating treatment. According to the material and requirements of the workpiece, select the electrolyte, determine the voltage and current, and control the plating time and temperature.
Cleaning workpiece: Clean the workpiece after plating to remove electrolyte residue and other impurities.
Drying the workpiece: Dry the workpiece to prevent moisture and other damage to the workpiece.
Testing the workpiece: testing and quality assessment of the workpiece after plating to ensure that the workpiece meets the requirements.


4.  the advantages of electroplating processing

Good surface quality: plating can form a dense metal layer on the surface of the original substrate, with good surface smoothness and uniformity.

Excellent corrosion and wear resistance: the surface of the metal plated with a layer of another metal, can form a new chemical element, effectively improve the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the metal.
Low manufacturing cost: relative to other quality surface treatment technology, electroplating has the advantages of low cost, easy to operate, high production efficiency.


5. the defects of electroplating processing

Easy to cause environmental pollution: electroplating solution contains a large number of organic solvents and metal compounds, if the process is not standardised or equipment aging, it may cause pollution and risk to the environment.
Higher energy consumption: The process of electroplating requires a constant supply of electricity, which consumes more energy.
Health risk: some organic substances and metal ions in the electroplating solution may cause some health hazards.

6.  the application field of electroplating processing
Electroplating processing technology is widely used in many fields, including aviation, electronics, automotive, construction, decorative industry, hardware products and so on. In the aviation and automotive fields, plating technology is used to improve the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of parts; in the electronics field, plating technology is used to improve the electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance of electronic components; in the construction and decoration industry, plating technology is used to improve the antioxidant, corrosion resistance and aesthetics of components.

7. Conclusion
Electroplating processing is an important surface treatment technology that plays an irreplaceable role in modern industry. However, electroplating processing also has some defects, such as environmental pollution, higher energy consumption and health risks. Therefore, in electroplating processing, it is necessary to strictly control the process parameters and strengthen the environmental protection measures to ensure the safety and health of the production process.


Post time:Sep-25-2020

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