Electroplating

Plating (Electroplating) is a process that utilizes electrolytic principle to deposit a thin layer of other elemental metal or alloy on surface of parts. It can enhance the corrosion resistance (normally coated with corrosion-resistant metals), hardness, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, lubricity, heat resistance and surface appearance.

Plating deposition is more uniform than hot-dipped coating, normally is a little thin, ranging from a few microns to dozens of microns. Electroplating can make a decorative and protective surface layer with various functional, also can repair worn parts or fix the machining error.

In addition, there are various function according to different coating material:

1, Copper Platinig.

It’s usually used as the basic layer, which improves the adherence capability of plating and corrosion resistance. Copper plating should be protected carefully, because that copper is easy to be oxidized, then loses electrical conductivity.

2, Nickel Plating.

It’s sometimes used as the basic layer too, which better the appearance and improve the corrosion resistance and wear resistance.

3, Gold Plating.

It can improve the conductive and sign transmission. Gold plating is the most stable but expensive.

4, Silver Plating.

It can improve the conductive and sign transmission too. Its performance is the best, is easy to be oxidized, but doesn’t lose electrical conductivity.

5, Sn-Pb Alloy Plating

It’s used to improve the welding capability.

6, Chrome Plating

It can improve the roughness, corrosion resistance and wear resistance.

7, Zinc Plating

Normally it’s used to better the appearance and rust resistance.