Electroplating can occur with individual metals or various combinations (alloys), which can provide additional value to the electroplating process. Some of the most commonly used plated metals include:
Copper: Copper is often used for its electrical conductivity and heat resistance. It is also commonly used to improve adhesion between layers of materials.
Zinc: Zinc is highly resistant to corrosion. Often, zinc is alloyed with other metals to enhance this property. For example, when alloyed with nickel, zinc is particularly resistant to atmospheric corrosion.
Tin: This matte, bright metal is highly solderable, corrosion resistant and environmentally friendly. It is also cheap compared to other metals.
Nickel: Nickel has excellent wear resistance and can be improved by heat treatment. Its alloys are also very valuable, with elemental resistance, hardness and electrical conductivity. Electroless nickel plating is also valued for its corrosion resistance, magnetic properties, low friction and hardness.
Gold: This precious metal is highly resistant to corrosion, rust, and wear, and is favored for its electrical conductivity and aesthetics.
Silver: Silver is not as corrosion resistant as gold, but it is highly malleable and malleable, has excellent resistance to contact wear and has excellent aesthetics. It is also an alternative to gold in applications that require thermal and electrical conductivity.
Palladium: This bright metal is often used in place of gold or platinum because of its hardness, corrosion resistance and aesthetic finish. When alloyed with nickel, this metal achieves excellent hardness and plating quality.
Price, substrate composition and desired results are key factors when determining the best plating material for your application.
There are several different plating techniques available, each of which can be used for a variety of applications. Some of these types of electroplating are described in more detail below:
Barrel Plating: Barrel plating is a method used to electroplate large groups of small parts. During this process, parts are placed in a bucket filled with an electrolyte solution. The plating process takes place while the barrel rotates, agitating the parts so they get a consistent and even finish. Barrel plating is best for small, durable parts, but it offers an inexpensive, efficient and flexible solution.
Rack Plating: If you need to plate a large number of parts, rack or wiring plating is a good option. In this method, parts are placed on wire racks so that each part is in physical contact with the power source. Although more expensive, this option is best for more delicate parts that cannot be barrel plated. It is important to note that rack plating is more difficult for electrically sensitive or irregularly shaped parts.
Electroless Plating: Electroless plating, also known as autocatalytic plating, uses a similar process to electrodeposition, but does not apply electricity directly to the part. In contrast, electroplating metals dissolve and deposit through chemical reactions rather than electrical reactions. While this option is useful for current-incompatible parts, it is more expensive and less productive than other options.
Although these methods accomplish electrodeposition in different ways, they all use the same basic principles.