In the processing of flanges and pipe fittings, we often find different processing techniques, such as hot galvanizing and cold galvanizing. In addition, there are also electroplating processing techniques. This article will introduce what kind of process electroplating is.
Electroplating is a process that refers to the deposition of a metal or non-metallic thin film on a metal surface using electrochemical methods. By forming a chemical reaction between two metals through an electric current, one metal or alloy is deposited on the surface of another metal or other material to improve its appearance and performance. Electroplating is often used to increase the corrosion resistance, wear resistance, conductivity, aesthetics, and other aspects of materials.
Common electroplating techniques include chromium plating, nickel plating, gold plating, silver plating, zinc plating, etc. Different electroplating techniques use different electrolytes and operating conditions to obtain the required coating properties and appearance effects. Electroplating can be carried out on different materials, such as metals, plastics, ceramics, etc.
The electroplating process is mainly divided into the following steps: cleaning, degreasing, acid washing, eagle mouth treatment, electroplating, water washing, drying, packaging, etc. Among them, cleaning, degreasing and pickling are used to remove oil stains, oxides and impurities on the surface; eagle beak treatment is used to increase the surface roughness so that the electroplating solution can better adhere to the surface; electroplating is used to reduce metal ions into metals and form a film on the surface; water washing and drying are used to remove wastewater and residual substances generated in the electroplating process and ensure the dryness of products
The advantage of electroplating technology lies in its ability to improve the surface properties of materials, while also repairing or improving surface defects. However, the electroplating process also has some drawbacks, such as easy generation of wastewater and exhaust gas, causing environmental pollution, and also requiring a large amount of energy and raw materials. Therefore, when conducting electroplating processes, it is necessary to pay attention to environmental protection and energy conservation issues, choose low-pollution electroplating processes and equipment as much as possible, and make reasonable use of raw materials and energy
The principle of electroplating is to use metal ions in the electrolyte for electrochemical reactions. Usually, the metal plated object serves as the cathode (negative electrode) and is placed in the electrolytic cell, while metal ions dissolve in the electrolyte as cations (positive electrode). After applying an electric current, metal ions are reduced on the cathode and combine with the material on the cathode to form a metal layer. In this way, a thin metal layer will form on the surface of the plated object.
Overall, electroplating is a commonly used surface treatment process that can improve the performance and appearance of materials by forming a thin metal layer on their surface.
Post time: Jul-04-2023
