Electroplating

Electroplating is a process where a base metal is coated by a thin layer of another metal through a method called electrolytic deposition. By this method, we can effectively modify the surface properties of metals. This method is best in resisting corrosion of metals. It reduces wear and tear, friction and improves heat tolerance. Many parameters influence the quality of electroplating. They are current density, plating bath, pH, throwing power and temperature. Plating bath is a solution comprising electrolyte, complexing agent and the buffer for maintaining pH. Throwing power of a plating bath is its ability to produce a uniform and even deposit on the entire surface of the substrate. The basic components of an electroplating system are plating tank, plating bath solution, anode and cathode, heating equipment, electrical equipment and filters. Before electroplating, substrate surfaces has to be ready by carrying out thermal cleaning, degreasing, stripping, pickling, abrasive blasting, electro polishing, rinsing and drying.