Electroplating, first invented in 1805 by Italian chemist Luigi Valentino Brugnatelli, has now become one of the best metal plating methods used that simply involves electricity, base solution, and a conducting metal. Electroplating technique was basically used to create a protective layer that reduces friction and tarnishing of a metal surface. It also protects the surface from wear and tear, making its metal coating durable, all of which by applying a thin layer. Eventually when you coat a non-metal surface with metal plating, the surface qualities of the said object is altered.
Other than just coating the surface, there is a wide range of applications for electroplating in the manufacturing industry especially and various other fields too. Enlisted below are some of the many practical applications of electroplating and electroplating chemicals.
- Aesthetics
- Commercial Applications
- To Prevent Corrosion
- Conduction of Electricity
- Minimise and Reduce Friction
- Protection From Radiation
Electroplating Technique Used For Aesthetics
Most common examples of this application are the valuable metals which are expensive and rare like gold and silver. Using electroplating techniques, a thin layer of such valuable metal is coated on a cheaper metal. In this way, the final product with a coated layer can be attractive at a lower cost. Gold plating or silver plating is one of the widest commercial uses of electroplating today. These electroplating processes are used for jewelry designing and other ornaments.
Electroplating Technique Used for Commercial Applications
Electroplating processes are used on car parts for a smooth texture and appearance by plating a thin application of chromium. They are also plated on other car parts with adherence to the buyer’s requests. The automotive industry is another segment that’s booming the electroplating industry market.
Electroplating Technique Used for Prevent Corrosion
Metals are prone to natural withering such as corrosion. Hence a thin layer of non-corrosive metals covering the corrosive metal can help metal products and appliances last longer than how they usually are. These days non-corrosive metals like chromium, copper, and nickel are used to cover corrosive metals like iron and steel.
Electroplating Technique Helps in Electricity Conduction
In the integrated circuits that are used in electronic devices like cell phones, laptops, and computers, metals that are good conductors of electricity are used such as gold and silver. But because gold is expensive, a small quantity of these precious high-quality metals can be electroplated as a thin layer on other metal parts and helps in electricity conduction.
Electroplating Technique Used to Reduce Friction
Friction in electrical connectors and other such parts can give out excess heat and wear off. Electroplating these parts with nickel can reduce friction to prevent any tears and withering on parts. Objects like rims of vehicles, handlebars of cycles/motorcycles, bottom of cooking utensils, handles of doors, etc. need to be electroplated to reduce constant friction.
Electroplating Technique For Protection From Radiation
Electroplating processes can protect metals/products from radiation, abrasion, and various other natural phenomena just by applying the desired characteristics to a metal surface that lacks those properties.
These are few of the many commercial/practical uses of electroplating. The electroplating industry has come a long way and it’s here to stay as it’s the most efficient way objects/products are prevented from corrosion and withering. But it’s also used to elude attractive appearance to objects like plated jewellery. If you’re into plating, know the right dealer for your electroplating chemicals and base solutions.