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Electroplating Process - Overview, Advantage & Disadvantage, Uses, FAQs

Electroplating Process - Overview, Advantage & Disadvantage, Uses, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 28, 2022 03:44 PM IST

What is Electroplating?

The process of depositing a thin layer of a desired metal over a metal object with the help of electric current is called electroplating. Electroplating is mostly used to modify the surface properties of an object (for example, corrosion resistance, lubricity, and abrasion resistance), but it can also be used to add thickness or create objects by electroforming. We have all seen artificial jewellery that shines while it is new but then fades after a while. The same is true for bicycle handlebars, nuts, and bolts, among other things. This is due to the fact that certain metals are coated with another metal in order to give them a shiny appearance while being cost reasonable.

Copper electroplating principle (multilingual)

Electroplating brass with copper is a good example of this. Brass and copper would be placed in the suitable electrolyte solution in this case. Copper sulphide-containing solution is preferred in this case. Electrodes and a battery would then be linked to each piece of metal. When the electricity is turned on, the copper molecules gently bond to the brass, forming a thin copper coating on the brass's surface.

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The Anode and Cathode

The current is normally introduced from an external source in electroplating, and the anode is the positive electrode and the cathode is the negative electrode. The electrochemical reduction reaction takes place at the cathode electrode. The electrochemical oxidation reaction takes place at the anode. An anode and a cathode are used in the electroplating process. The metal dissolved from the anode can be plated onto the cathode in electroplating. Direct current is applied to the anode, which oxidises and dissolves the metal atoms in the electrolyte solution. The dissolved metal ions are reduced at the cathode, and the metal is put on the product.

How Does Electroplating Work?

Let us use the example of a gold coating to further comprehend the concept. A layer of gold is to be electrodeposited on metallic jewellery in this case to improve its appearance. The gold plating is usually linked to the circuit's anode (+ve charged electrode), while the jewellery is kept at the cathode (-ve charged electrode). Both are immersed in an electrolytic bath (solution). A DC current is applied to the anode at this point, which oxidises the gold atoms and dissolves them in the solution.

At the cathode, gold dissolved ions are reduced and plated on the jewellery.

However, there are a number of significant parameters that determine the final plating. These are some of them:

  • The distance between cathode and anode

  • The duration of electroplating

  • Voltage level of current

  • Chemical composition of the bath

  • Temperature of the bath

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Silver Plating

The object to be plated is connected to the power supply's negative terminal. The positive terminal is connected with a bit of silver. A silver nitrate solution serves as the electrolyte. Silver can also be purified using this method. We can connect the positive terminal with an impure block and the negative terminal with a strip of pure silver. Electrolysis deposits pure silver at the negative terminal, leaving contaminants behind.

Silver plating

Copper plating

The object to be plated is connected to the power supply's negative terminal. The positive terminal is attached to a piece of copper. A copper sulphate solution serves as the electrolyte. Copper deposition, like silver plating, can be used to purify copper. Both electrodes are constructed of copper in this scenario. The negative electrode eventually becomes coated with pure copper as the impure positive electrode fades away, leaving the impurities behind.

Metals used for Electroplating

There are a variety of metals that are ideal for electroplating, and the good news is that we sell electroplating metals in a variety of shapes and sizes, including wire, powder, ingot, bars, and shot. Nickel, chromium, brass, cadmium, copper, gold, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, silver, tin, and zinc are all common metals used in the electroplating process.

Uses of electroplating

Electroplating in Aesthetics

Gold and silver, which are scarce and valuable metals, are common examples of this application.

Electroplating allows a small coating of these valuable metals to be deposited on a less expensive metal, giving the finished product a more appealing appearance at a reduced cost. This is one of the electroplating's most widely used commercial uses today. This method is employed in the creation of jewellery and other accessories.

  • Electroplating in Commercial Application

For a smooth texture and look, automotive parts are electroplated with a thin layer of chromium. They are also done on a variety of other appliances that are customised to the buyer's specifications.

  • Electroplating to Prevent Rusting

Because metals are susceptible to natural phenomena such as corrosion, a thin layer of non-corrosive metals over the corrosive one can extend the life of metals and appliances. Non-corrosive metals like copper, chromium, and nickel are commonly used to coat corrosive metals like steel and iron these days.

  • Electroplating in the Conduction of electricity

Good conductors of electricity, such as gold and silver, are employed in integrated circuits used in computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. However, due to the expensive cost of these metals, a little amount of these costly high-quality metals can be coated as a thin layer over other metals to aid in electrical conduction.

  • Electroplating To Reduce Friction

Apart from these applications, electroplating can be utilised in other areas where friction can be reduced by layering one metal over another.

  • Protection from Radiation

Electroplating also helps to defend against radiation, abrasion, and a variety of other natural phenomena by adding desired characteristics to a metal surface that lacks them.

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Advantages of Electroplating

Many businesses have benefited for decades from electroplating's ability to boost the durability or improve the aesthetic of plated items.

  • The automotive industry is one of the most common industrial applications of electroplating. Old parts, such as bumpers, grills, and tyre rims, are commonly electroplated to make them look new.

  • When corrosion versus protection is a concern in the workplace, electroplating is a preferred option.

  • Because of its higher conductivity, silver electroplating is frequently employed on copper or brass connectors.

  • Copper electroplating has a lot of uses, including the production of electronic equipment and components, as well as goods for the aerospace and defence industries.

Disadvantages of Electroplating

The waste generated during the electroplating process is difficult to dispose of in the environment since it poses a health risk.

  • Making numerous coats on metal is a time-consuming process.

  • Electroplating requires a lot of expensive equipment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What factors have an impact on electroplating?

A number of elements have an impact on this process. The electrodes' surface area, temperature, the type of metal and electrolyte employed, and the amplitude of the applied current are all elements to consider.

2. What kind of acid is used in the electroplating process?

Methanesulphonic acid is used in the electroplating and metal finishing industries. Over the last ten years, methanesulphonic acid has gradually replaced fluoroboric acid as the preferred electrolyte for the electrodeposition of tin and tin-lead solder on electronic devices.

3. What is electroplating's main principle?

The process of depositing one metal over another in the presence of metal salt is known as electroplating (in an aqueous solution). In this process, the water molecule is liberated as the ultimate result. As a result, electroplating is based on the hydrolysis theory.

4. What is electroplating and its application?

Most commonly for decorative purposes or to prevent corrosion of a metal. There are also specific types of electroplating such as copper plating, silver plating, and chromium plating.

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