There are many types of surface treatment. One method is electroplating, but to decide if it is the most appropriate approach for your needs, you need to understand the basics of how it works.
What exactly is electroplating?
Electroplating is when you use an electrical current to attach a coating to a surface. The coating is generally a metal such as cadmium zinc, nickel or an alloy of multiple metals.
How is it used?
You can use electroplating for many purposes, but the kind of zinc nickel coating illustrated at https://www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/plating/zinc-nickel-plating/ was originally designed for the automotive industry. It can also be found in aerospace, oil and gas and other industries.
What metals are used in electroplating?
Conductivity is the most important quality. Metals that conduct electricity include tin, copper, brass, zinc, nickel and platinum. Metals such as aluminium must be treated first to make them conductive.
What are the advantages of electroplating?
Nickel electroplating can make a surface more conductive to electricity or improve its appearance. Zinc electroplating can form a protective coating of zinc oxide. The surface becomes stronger and more corrosion resistant.
Can you combine electroplating with other types of coating?
Yes. Painting an electroplated surface can add additional protection as well as being used to improve the appearance.
Is electroplating environmentally friendly?
It allows manufacturers to use less material and increase an object’s lifespan, which is good for sustainability, but also produces hazardous waste.
A better understanding of electroplating will allow you to make a more informed decision about whether it will be beneficial for your purposes.
