What is Electro-plating

Very simply electro-plating is the general term given to the process by which metallic films are applied to metallic parts by passing an electric current through a chemical solution. For the most part those solutions contain Sodium or Potassium as the main ingredient. The Sodium or Potassium are in one of three different types of solution; hydroxide (caustic), chloride (acidic) or cyanide. The electric current that is used is high amperage, low voltage direct current. The parts to be plated are suspended in the solution on hooks or in plastic barrels and become the cathode in the electrolytic process. The metal that one wishes to apply is suspended along the sides of the plating tank and acts as the anode in the electrolytic process. The anode material dissolves in the solution and the electric current causes that material to be deposited on the cathode (the parts which are to be plated). The main exception to this general description is chrome plating. In chrome plating the material used for plating is chromic acid, no Sodium or Potassium. Since the plating material is in the solution another material is used for the anode (in this case Lead). The part to be plated is still the cathode.

Benefits of electroplating.

Electroplating has a great variety of uses. Some of the major ones are:

• Corrosion protection.
• Resistance to wear and abrasion
• Increased conductivity
• Friction reduction
• Enhanced appearance

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