Electroplating service

The technique – also known as electrodeposition – is designed to alter the properties of the base metal. Depending on the materials used, this might mean improving its resistance to abrasion and corrosion, electrical conductivity, lubricity or appearance.

Electroplating is used across a variety of industries including oil and gas, automotive, electronics and the medical sector.

• Anode (positively charged electrode) – in this case, the metal that will form the plating
• Cathode (negatively charged electrode) – the workpiece or metal substrate being plated
• Solution – the process takes place in an electrolyte solution
• Power supply – an electrical current is supplied to the anode from an external power source.

So how does it work?

The anode and the cathode are first placed into a large container of electrolyte solution and a direct current is supplied to the anode from a power source.

The electrical current causes the metal atoms to dissolve in the solution and become positive ions. These ions are then drawn to the negatively charged substrate, attaching themselves to the surface to form a thin layer of metal coating.

The most appropriate metal will depend on numerous factors including the composition of the substrate and the intended purpose of the final item.

Some of the most common metals used for electroplating include:

Here are just some of the reasons to choose Knees Engineering for your metal finishing requirements: