About the Application of Electroplating
Electroplating refers to a process in which a solution of metal ions is shifted via an electrical field in order to provide a coat of material. Electroplating involves the covering of a workpiece surface with electroplated material in order to bestow certain properties on that workpiece. Does this Spark an idea?
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Desired Properties
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Electroplating is typically used for depositing material on a workpiece in order to promote the lubricity, aesthetic qualities or corrosion protection of the workpiece. Electroplating is also often used to add thickness to undersized pieces.
Mechanical Changes
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The application of electroplating can be used to make mechanical changes to a workpiece, including the addition of tensile strength or the maximum level of stress a material can endure while being pulled or stretched. Material surface hardness, another example of a mechanical change, can be increased via the application of electroplating.
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Limitations
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The plating metal used in the electroplating process is more attracted -- or tends to gravitate toward -- any protrusions or external corners present in the material. This can make the thickness of the electroplated material uneven over the object, depending on its shape, and may cause inconsistencies in the application of electroplated properties on the workpiece.
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- Photo Credit large old railway bridge image by Yali Shi from Fotolia.com
