Post by account_disabled on Mar 16, 2024 1:04:30 GMT -5
For hundreds of years, people have been looking for answers to the questions: how to protect metal from corrosion and how to give metal surfaces a stylish look. These searches lead to the discoveries of the late 18th and 19th centuries, initiated by the physicist Luigi Galvani and the chemist Luigi Valentino Brugnatelli. They started working on galvanic cells and electroplating. What is electroplating processes and where are they used? Let's check! Published: 08-08-2023 Electroplating of metals: what is it? The term 'electroplating' is a simplified term derived from the name of the inventor, i.e. Galvani . In specialized nomenclature, electroplating is a process of applying thin, durable metal coatings to the surface of various objects (mainly metal). As a result of this treatment, the metal surface is protected against corrosion . Electroplating also makes it possible to obtain additional aesthetic values, for example: giving the item a specific color, shine, mirror coating, etc. Electroplating processes: the division The term "electroplating" is often used interchangeably with the term "electrotyping", but this is incorrect. Electrotyping is a broader concept. It includes both electroplating and electroplating processes. How do they differ? Electroplating involves creating copies in the form of thick metal coatings in the electrolysis process .
These coatings can be easily separated from the substrate and often have complex and detailed shapes. In electroplating, thin layers are formed that cannot be separated from the substrate. There are also other types of electrotyping treatment. For example: anodizing, i.e. creating non-metallic coatings (most often these coatings are made of metal oxides), Phosphating: consists of covering non-metallic coatings CZ Leads with a layer of phosphates (generally they are solutions of hydrogen phosphates of manganese, iron or zinc), galvanizing, that is, covering metals with a layer of zinc, copper plating – electrolytic plating of metal with copper, chrome plating: covering metal or plastic with a layer of chrome. Consult the range of additives for galvanic processes from the PCC Group. What is the electroplating process? Electroplating requires adequate technical installations and the participation of an experienced sheet metal worker. Therefore, all electroplating processes are carried out only in professional electroplating facilities. These facilities are equipped with large tubs made of electrolyte-resistant materials. Only completely clean and degreased items go to the galvanic bath. (Heavily contaminated raw material is often subjected to additional etching baths.) Then the metal items in the tubs are connected to the negative pole of the power source and form the positive pole, i.e. a cathode. The negative pole (anode) is formed by metal plates in the electrolyte.
The flowing current gradually causes a new coating to form on the surface of the metal. Optionally, instead of metal plates, platers also use various types of salts, which are also subject to gradual decomposition. Electroplating of metals: a process that depends on several factors It is not easy to achieve a perfect effect in the form of high-quality galvanic coating. What factors affect the final appearance, hardness and structure of the new layer? The quality of the coatings and their formation time depend, among others, on: type of electrolyte used (the choice of electrolytes is very wide, they can be mixtures containing cyanides, sulfates, chlorine , etc.; each electrolyte produces different effects and is intended for different types of substrates: metallic or non-metallic), temperature and concentration of the electrolyte solution, current density used in the electroplating process. The duration of the electroplating process is very diverse and ranges from several minutes to several hours, which also depends on the selected method and the desired coating thickness. What is metal electroplating used for? No wonder electroplating facilities are still developing in Poland and around the world and interest in their services is not waning. What are the main advantages of electroplating? Thanks to the additional coating, metals (and plastics) get excellent long-term protection against moisture penetration and metal-destroying corrosion.