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Electroplating is a finishing process
which a metallic coating is deposited onto a part. The
electroplating process is facilitated by applying a negative
charge onto the part object and immersing it into a salt
solution of the metal to be deposited. The metallic ions of
the salt solutions are charged positive by applying a
positive charge to the solution, and are drawn to the negatively
charged part. When they reach the part, the negatively
charged part will "reduce" the positively
charged ions onto metallic part.
Electroplating is also called
electrodedeposition. The electroplated plating metal is most
normally a single metallic element, not an alloy. However,
some alloys can be electrodeposited .
Electroplating is used in many
industries for function, corrosion control and/or decorative
purposes. Chrome-plating of
steel parts on automobiles and motorcycles is a common
application of electroplating .
Other examples of
electroplating applications are:
-
Steel parts such as camshafts,
crankshafts, and hand tools resists wear better when they
are electroplated with chromium.
-
Steel or aluminum parts in light fixtures
are often electroplated with nickel and followed by
chromium or brass.
-
Common steel bolts, nuts, and washers are
electroplated with a coating of zinc.
-
Electroplating may deposit silver, copper
or brass onto electrical connectors.
Electroplating Caution:
Not properly applying electroplating process
and acid cleaning of springs, without proper baking treatment,
can cause spring steels to become brittle, called
"Hydrogen embrittlement " Nonferrous springs
are immune do not share the same problem. In general,
All electroplated parts 1200 Mpa or higher should be baked at
190°C for three hours or more within four hours after
electroplating, to ensure Hydrogen embrittlement relief.
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