Electroplating means the process of plating a thin layer of other metals or alloys on the surface of certain metals using the principle of electrolysis.
It is a process of using electrolysis to attach a layer of metal film to the surface of metal or other material parts to prevent metal oxidation (such as rust), improve wear resistance, electrical conductivity, reflective properties, corrosion resistance (copper sulfate, etc.) and enhance the appearance.
Electroplating is divided into specific processes such as copper plating, gold plating, silver plating, chrome plating, nickel plating and zinc plating. In the field of manufacturing, zinc plating, nickel plating and chrome plating are the most widely used. And there must be some difference among the three.
1, Zinc Plating
Definition: zinc plating refers to a surface treatment technology that coats a layer of zinc on the surface of metals, alloys or other materials for aesthetics and anti-rust effects.
Features: low cost, general corrosion resistance, silvery white color.
Areas of applications: screws, circuit breakers, industrial supplies, etc.
white zinc
color zinc
2, Nickel plating
Definition: The method of plating a layer of nickel on metal or some non-metal by electrolysis or chemical method is called nickel plating.
Features: aesthetic, can be used for decoration, high price, slightly complicated process, the color is silvery white and yellowish.
Application: Energy-saving lamp holders, coins, hardware, etc.
3, Chrome plating
Definition: Chromium is a bright white metal with a slight blue color. The method of plating a layer of chromium on metal or some non-metals by electrolytic or chemical methods is called chrome plating.
Features: There are two kinds of chrome plating, the first one is for decoration, the appearance is bright, the abrasion resistance is better, the anti-rust ability is not as good as galvanized, and it is worse than oxidation; the second one is to increase the hardness and wear resistance of metal parts, etc. , which is the functionality of the part.
Application: Bright decorative parts, tools, faucets, etc. on home appliances, electronics and other products.
The most basic difference between the three electroplating
Chromium plating is mainly to improve the surface hardness, appearance and anti-rust. Chromium plating has good chemical stability and does not react in alkali, sulfide, nitric acid and most organic acids, but it can dissolve in hydrohalic acid (such as hydrochloric acid) and hot sulfuric acid. Since chrome does not change color, it can maintain its reflective ability for a long time, which is better than silver and nickel. The process involved is generally electroplating.
Nickel plating is mainly wear-resistant, anti-corrosion, anti-rust, generally thinner, and the process is divided into two types – electroplating and chemical.
Zinc plating is mainly for aesthetic purposes and rust prevention. Zinc is an active metal that can react with acid, so it has poor corrosion resistance and is the cheapest of the three.
The difference in cost is that chrome plating is the most expensive, followed by nickel, and zinc is the cheapest. Among them, rack plating and barrel plating must be distinguished. Rack plating is expensive and barrel plating is cheap.