what is electroplating?

FROM ALCHEMY TO ELECTROPLATING: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Symbols and their meanings

Electroplating began around the middle of last century. It is a process which starts with metal ions (charged metal atoms) present in a solution. The parts that require coating, are then placed in the solution and given a negative charge. The metal particles are then attracted to the part. On contact, they convert to the plated metal as electrons are given up to the ions. In this way, a layer of metal deposited onto the surface. This bond is very strong and the part will behave as if made out of the plated metal. Electroplating allows for increased corrosion resistance, scratch resistance, decorative finishes and high temperature protection. Thus electroplating allows for a relatively inexpensive material to take on the properties of greater brightness, new colour, reflectivity, and aesthetic appeal. Most high quality decorative plating is based on a nickel plating system.

Metals we plate include brass, copper, bronze, chrome, nickel, and black nickel, silver and gold. Finishes we can achieve vary from a highly polished mirror-finish to matt, satin, antique, brushed and "satelite" (very dull, smooth) finish.

Similar to the process of painting a surface, the preparation is critical to the final finish. The first step is stripping whether it is painted, anodised, powder-coated, lacquered or plated (which is stripped electrolytically). The part is then cleaned and degreased, removing any oils from surface. Polishing requires highly skilled staff to remove the surface layer by linishing with course belts, followed by a series of progressively finer belts to a final polishing mop using a fine cutting compound to produce a mirror finish.

The part is then plated with base coat of copper, nickel or duplex nickel and the decorative finish then plated onto the part, followed a final polish, lacquer if required.

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