First, let's understand what electroplating is
Electroplating is a process that uses the principle of electrolysis to plate a thin layer of other metals or alloys on certain metal surfaces. It is a process that uses electrolysis to attach a metal film to the surface of metal or other material parts to prevent metal oxidation ( Such as rust), improve wear resistance, conductivity, reflectivity, corrosion resistance (copper sulfate, etc.) and enhance appearance.
Electroplating is divided into specific processes such as copper plating, gold plating, silver plating, chromium plating, nickel plating and zinc plating. In the manufacturing field, zinc plating, nickel plating and chromium plating are the most widely used. And there must be some difference between these three, right?
01-Galvanized
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Definition: Galvanizing refers to a surface treatment technology that coats the surface of metal, alloy or other materials with a layer of zinc for aesthetics, rust prevention and other functions.
Features: low cost, general corrosion resistance, silvery white color.
Application: screws, circuit breakers, industrial supplies, etc.
02-Nickel plating
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Definition: A method of plating a layer of nickel on metal or certain non-metals through electrolysis or chemical methods is called nickel plating.
Features: beautiful, can be used for decoration, high price, slightly complicated process, silvery white with yellow color.
Application: energy-saving lamp holders, coins, hardware, etc.
03-Chrome plating
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Definition: Chromium is a bright white metal with a slight bluish tint. It is a method of plating a layer of chromium on metal or certain non-metals through electrolysis or chemical methods, which is called chromium plating.
Features: There are two types of chromium plating. The first one is for decoration, with a bright appearance and good friction resistance. Its anti-rust ability is not as good as galvanizing but better than oxidation; the second one is to increase the hardness and wear resistance of metal parts. , which is the functionality of the part.
Application: Bright decorative parts on home appliances, electronics and other products, tools, faucets, etc.
As for the most basic differences between the three types of electroplating
1: "Chromium plating is mainly to improve surface hardness, appearance, and rust prevention. Chromium plating has good chemical stability and has no effect in alkali, sulfide, nitric acid and most organic acids, but it can be dissolved in hydrohalic acid ( Such as hydrochloric acid) and hot sulfuric acid. Because chromium does not change color and can maintain its reflective ability for a long time during use, it is better than silver and nickel. The process is generally electroplating.
2: Nickel plating is mainly wear-resistant, anti-corrosion, and anti-rust. It is generally thin in thickness. The process is divided into two categories: electroplating and chemical.
3: Galvanizing is mainly for aesthetics and rust prevention. Zn is an active metal that can react with acid, so it has poor corrosion resistance and is the cheapest of the three.
The difference in cost is that chromium plating is the most expensive, followed by nickel, and zinc is the cheapest. Among them, rack plating, barrel plating, etc. are also distinguished. Rack plating is expensive, and barrel plating is cheap.
Let's distinguish them by color.
Chrome plating is bright white, nickel plating is a little yellowish, and zinc plating is silvery white (in fact, there are also colored zinc, gray zinc, matte chrome, bright chrome, white nickel, black nickel, etc. The more you talk about it, the more stupid you can't tell them apart. clear)
Expand your knowledge:
1-Electroplating production is mainly caused by sewage and heavy metal pollution in sewage. The state has strictly controlled the expansion of the electroplating industry and reduced it year by year.
2-The main electroplating processes in my country are zinc plating, copper plating, nickel plating and chromium plating, of which zinc plating accounts for 50% and copper, chromium and nickel plating account for 30%.
3-If the purpose is to prevent rust, zinc plating or cadmium plating can be used; if the focus is to prevent wear and tear, nickel plating or chromium plating is the best choice.
Electroplating is a very deep knowledge
It's not something that can be said clearly in one or two sentences.
And the plating method of each material is different
Electroplating pre-treatment, electrolyte formula, current size, electroplating time, etc.
Every detail will lead to changes in plating quality
Apart from anything else
The current is smaller and the plating time is longer.
The quality of the product plated in this way is better
It's a bit like simmering over low heat
Of course, the cost is also rising linearly.
Let's watch the video on how to plate it.
