Electroplating is the process of coating an
electrically conductive object with a layer of metal using electrical
current. Generally this process is used to deposit an adherent surface
layer of a metal to a substance lacking that property.
Electroplating is used in many types of industries for both
functional and decorative purposes. One well-known example of
chrome-plating steel parts is on automobiles. Some steel bumpers become
more resistant to corrosion after they’ve been electroplated with
nickel and chromium.
Electroplating can also be used to silver plate copper and brass
electrical connectors. Silver tarnishes at a much slower rate and has a
higher conductivity than other metals. Another benefit of silver is
lower surface electrical resistance which results in a more efficient
electrical connection. Silver plating is also popular for RF connectors
because radio frequency current flows primarily on the surface of its
conductor. This allows the connector to have the strength of brass and
the conductivity of silver.
Another related process is called brush electroplating. This is a
process in which localized areas or entire items are plated using a
brush soaked in plating solution. The brush is connected to the
positive side of a low voltage direct-current power source and the item
to be plated connected to the negative. The brush is dipped in plating
solution then applied to the item. Moving the brush continuously will
create an even distribution of the plating material.
Brush electroplating has several advantages including portability,
ability to plate items that can’t be tank plated, little or no masking
requirements and low plating solution volume requirements.
To learn more about electroplating services and anodizing services please visit our website at http://www.prime-plating.com This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.
