When considering electroplating certain objects, it is important to understand what exactly you want to have done and the investment you will need to make. Electroplating companies use the process of electro-deposition to enhance the look of your metals and materials. Therefore you want to make sure you chose the right one. Research is a key element in achieving the results and substantial benefits working with a quality electroplating company can provide.
What is Electroplating and How Can it Help?
To a professional, the process of electroplating is simple as they have the training and knowledge to successfully complete the request. Electroplating is the manipulation of an electrical current to reduce dissolved metal cations (particles with a positive charge) so they form a coherent metal coating on an electrode. Electroplating changes the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of a piece. Electrodes are placed in a solution, called electrolyte, and surged with an electrical current. The current passes through the electrolyte, creating your desired coating.
Aesthetic Purposes
Simply put, electroplating can enhance the look of metal. For an individual, electroplating can make your metals more decorative, such as the popular gold and silver. Many are interested in the process to restore the look of their important personal items, whether it is the family silverware or expensive jewelry. As electroplating can help to increase the resistance against corrosion and rusting of metals, people are considering the electroplating process to protect their investments.
Electroplating Can Promote Performance
For the industrial and business to business sector, depending upon what you exactly need to be electroplated, the reduction of friction from the process can increase overall performance of the material. For example, electrical connectors that go through the process will have less damage because of the protective nature of the coat. Even if a piece had scratches and corrosion from past use, its new coating can limit any new abrasions.
Electroplating Protects Against Heat
Many car owners benefit from the electroplating process as it helps to protect against excessive heats. Car parts, like the engine, are always in extremely hot environments. An electroplated material will have a long durability factor.
What to Look For in an Electroplating Company
Different electroplating companies use different electroplating techniques and you need to decide what is best for your business. Proper certificates and training should always be researched and RoHS compliancy should be considered. DeKalb Metal Finishing is a certified company that can explain their processes in a way you can understand and how electroplating can benefit you. They have an excellent website available for you to browse to get your questions answered or you can contact them.
