Every year, companies work hard to improve the quality of their basic metal products. They use electropolishing methods to reduce the rough edge burrs and make the sheet metal gleam. They also turn to another process to improve the overall quality and durability of their products. This procedure is called electroplating.
What Is Electroplating?
Electroplating is a process in which metal is added to the surface layer of another product. The process can be employed to coat plastic (only following a coating with an electrically conductive material) but is more frequently metal. While all commercial metals can undergo electroplating, the ones most commonly used for this procedure are:
* Aluminum
* Copper
* Brass
* Steel
* Zinc-based dye casting
Similarly, the metal used during the process can be one of several. The most commonplace metals used to coat minutely the surface of either metals or plastic materials include:
* Zinc
* Chromium
* Nickel
* Copper
* Tin
* Gold
* Platinum
* Silver
Characteristics of Electroplating
The procedure of electroplating is frequently done as a continuous process. During the procedure, the parts to be electroplated are often hung from conveyors. As they pass through the process, the individual parts are lowered into the various tanks. They move in order from successive plating to washing and then fixing tanks. At the end of the line, they are examined for any flaws.
The electroplating process is one that relies on its ability to address the individuality of each piece or type of material submitted. It does one piece or piece type at a time because of the specific characteristics and requirements of each metal submitted for electroplating. Consideration is given to such things as the details of each electroplating solution as well as to the immersion times required and the current densities. As a result, the process of electroplating is adjusted in accordance with the materials including such things as the sizes and shapes of the pieces to be electroplated.
What Is the Purpose of Electroplating?
* The purpose of electroplating focuses on two aspects: appearance and durability. Overall, the procedure is intended to:
* Increase the ability of the material to be corrosion free
* Prevent or at least reduce wear resistance
* Improve the overall appearance of the metal. This is particularly true when it comes to decorative pieces including jewelry and trays
* Increases the overall dimensions of the product making it wider or longer or both
Electroplating is an old form of improving metal work. It is used to improve the physical appearance and increase the corrosion resistant capabilities of a variety of metals. While the process may be considered old, the results of electroplating create a look that is entirely new and capable of outlasting the original item. This becomes very important in military and exterior applications but is just as imperative for the smallest medical equipment. Overall, this confirms that electroplating is an integral part of producing items for today’s modern world that work and work well even under stress.
PEP General Metal Finishing provides its clients with the benefits arising from the technology behind electroplating. While we are strongly proud of our past, we are rooted in the present while looking forward to seeing what the future will bring us so we can pass on our acquired skills and knowledge to our clients. To find out more about who we are and our quality services, take the time to browse our site online at website.