Electroplating uses

Electroplating is a generic term for methods that result in a metal coating on a solid substrate by reducing the metal’s cations with a direct electric current. An electrolytic cell’s cathode (negative electrode) is the part that will be coated; the electrolyte is a solution of a salt of the metal that will be coated; and the anode (positive electrode) is usually a block of that metal or another inert conductive substance. The current is supplied by an external power supply.

Electroplating definition

Electroplating is the technique of depositing a metal onto another by hydrolysis, usually to prevent metal corrosion or for ornamental purposes. The dissolved metal cations are reduced by an electric current, resulting in a thin, coherent metal coating on the electrode. Electroplating is commonly employed in the electrical oxidation of anions on a solid substrate, such as the creation of silver chloride on silver wire to generate silver chloride electrodes.

Electroplating is typically used to alter an object’s surface qualities (such as corrosion resistance, lubricity, and abrasion resistance), but it can also be used to add thickness or construct objects by electro shaping.

Electroplating is frequently used in industry and the decorative arts to improve object surface properties like abrasion and corrosion resistance, lubricity, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, and beauty. It can also be used to increase the thickness of undersized or worn-out parts, as well as to electroform metal plates with complex shapes. It’s also used to clean copper and other metals.

Electropolishing, which removes metal cations off the surface of a metal item using an electric current, might be regarded as the polar opposite of electroplating.

The anode and cathode

In electroplating, the current is usually supplied from outside, and the anode is the positive electrode and the cathode is the negative electrode. At the cathode electrode, an electrochemical reduction reaction occurs. The anode is where the electrochemical oxidation reaction takes place.

In the electroplating process, an anode and a cathode are used. Electroplating allows the metal dissolved from the anode to be plated onto the cathode. The anode is exposed to direct current, which causes the metal atoms in the electrolyte solution to oxides and dissolve. At the cathode, the dissolved metal ions are reduced, and the metal is applied to the product.

Electroplating working

Let’s use the example of a gold coating to further comprehend the concept. In this situation, a layer of gold will be electrodeposited on metallic jewellery to improve its appearance.

The anode (+ve charged electrode) of the circuit is normally connected to the gold plating, while the jewellery is stored at the cathode (-ve charged electrode). Both are stored in a state-of-the-art electrolytic bat (solution). At this stage, a DC current is delivered to the anode, oxidising the gold atoms and dissolving them in the solution.

Gold dissolved ions are reduced and plated on the jewellery at the cathode.

However, the final plating is determined by a number of important factors. Here are a few examples:

• The current voltage level. 
• The period of time since the last update.
• The distance between the cathode and the anode is called the cathode-anode distance.

Electroplating uses

When it comes to the applications of electroplating, it is employed for a variety of functions in addition to improving the aesthetic of the substrate. The main application is to improve a material’s corrosion resistance. The plated layer is frequently used as a sacrificial layer, revealing that it degrades before the base substance. Electroplating is also used in the following applications:

• Wear resistance is being improved.
• Improving the metal surface’s thickness.
• Plating a copper layer on an electrical component to improve electrical conductivity.
• Improving the homogeneity of the surface.

The following are some electroplating applications and uses:

Electroplating used in aesthetics

Gold and Silver is a common example of this use because it is a scarce and expensive metal.

Electroplating permits a thin layer of these valuable metals to be coated on a less expensive metal, resulting in a more appealing end product at a lower cost. 

 This is one of electroplating’s most widely used commercial uses today. For a smooth texture and look, automotive parts are electroplated with a thin layer of chromium. This technique is used in the manufacture of jewellery and other accessories.

They’re also used on a variety of other appliances that are tailored to the buyer’s preferences.

Electroplating used in commercial application prevent corrosion

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

Electroplating helps in conduction of electricity

Good conductors of electricity, such as gold and In computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices, silver is used in integrated circuits. However, due to the high cost of these metals, a thin coating of these pricey high-quality metals can be coated over other metals to aid in electrical conduction.

Electroplating is used to reduce friction

Apart from these applications, electroplating can be utilised layering one metal over another in other spots where friction can be decreased

Electroplating helps to protect from radiation

Electroplating also helps to defend against radiation, abrasion, and By adding required qualities to a metal surface that lacks them, you can simulate a number of different natural phenomena.

Effects 

The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the workpiece are all altered by electroplating. When nickel plating improves corrosion resistance, this is an example of a chemical shift. A change in outer appearance is an example of a physical change. A change in tensile strength or surface hardness, which is an essential attribute in the tooling industry, is an example of a mechanical change. Contact resistance is reduced and surface hardness is increased when acid gold electroplating is applied to copper or nickel-plated circuits. If case hardening of such parts is not desirable, copper-plated mild steel areas operate as a mask. To prevent tin oxidation from dulling the surface of tin-plated steel, it is chromium-plated.

Conclusion 

We are continually employing metal and metal-made products in our daily lives as we become more modern and industrial.

We frequently utilise the electroplating method to deposit a coat of another metal alloy on these metal objects to boost their durability.

This electroplating procedure is widely used in a variety of industries.