Industrial & Manufacturing Blog
Electroplating is a process that can be used to apply a layer of metal. There is a surprisingly large variety of metals that can be applied using the electroplating process. Therefore, it's helpful to understand the advantages of each type of metal within this context.
Cadmium
Cadmium is a commonly used metal for electroplating because they are very resistant to corrosion. Cadmium has a high degree of electrical conductivity. It also has very low friction.
Gold
Gold has traditionally been used for decorative purposes and to create jewelry. However, gold can also serve many industrial purposes. Gold is one of the least reactive metals and is very resistant to corrosion. Materials coated in gold are also much more durable and are able to transmit an electrical current. Because gold is biocompatible, it can be used in medical equipment as well.
Zinc
Zinc coating can give a product a corrosion-resistant barrier. Zinc is useful in situations where an object will be exposed to moisture. Under some environmental conditions, zinc degrades more slowly than any other metal. Therefore, electroplating is often used when it's necessary to create a barrier against moisture.
Tin
Tin is a very soft, ductile and malleable metal. It is able to be stretched and molded into several shapes without cracking. Tin is often used because it is non-toxic. It is also conductive and is very resistant to corrosion. Because of the properties of tin, it is very often used in the food manufacturing industry. It also tends to be less expensive compared with other metals. Tin is often used to shield other materials that are more likely to corrode, such as copper.
Hard Chrome
Manufacturers often use hard chrome plating to give a product a smooth and shiny surface. The hardness and durability of hard chrome plating mean that the product will last longer. The longevity of the hard chrome coating is based on how the surface is prepared and cared for, the type of plating solution used and the thickness of the plating solution.
Nickel
Electroplating is used in bright nickel plating. This type of plating is not as durable or ductile as other options. However, nickel can be relatively conductive. Because of the high leveling properties of nickel, you'll have an easier time hiding imperfections. But if you are still not sure which metal to use, ask an electroplating contractor if he or she has any advice.
Share21 March 2020
Where do you think we would be if the manufacturing industry shut down? We would not have new cars or buses. The packaging that our food comes in would not be available, and even things like children's toys and clothing would be in short supply. Going back to making everything by hand would be quite the burden, so we really rely on the manufacturing industry for quality of life and peace of mind. You don't have to work in this industry yourself to become more informed about it. Learn about the people and companies that make the products we adore on this website.
