In industrial design, we often use it
electroplate
Process, first of all, let’s understand what electroplating is:
Electroplating (Electroplating) is the process of plating a thin layer of other metals or alloys on the surface of some metals using the principle of electrolysis, and is the process of using electrolysis to attach a layer of metal film to the surface of metal or other material parts to prevent metal oxidation (such as rust), improve wear resistance, electrical conductivity, reflectivity, corrosion resistance (copper sulfate, etc.) and enhance aesthetics.
Electroplating is divided into copper plating, gold plating, silver plating, chrome plating, nickel plating and zinc plating and other specific processes, especially in the field of industrial design for zinc plating, nickel plating and chrome plating is the most widely used. And there must be some difference between the three, right?
01 – Galvanized
Definition: Galvanizing refers to a surface treatment technology that coats a layer of zinc on the surface of metals, alloys or other materials to play a role in aesthetics and rust prevention.
Features: low cost, anti-corrosion general, color is silver white.
Applications: screws, circuit breakers, industrial supplies, etc.
02 – Nickel plating
Definition: The method of plating a layer of nickel on metals or some nonmetals by electrolysis or chemical methods, called nickel plating.
Features: beautiful, can be decorated, high price, slightly complex process, color is silver white yellow.
Application: energy-saving lamp holder, coin, etc.
03 – Chrome plating
Definition: Chromium is a silvery-white metal with microstrip blue, and the method of plating a layer of chromium on metals or some non-metals by electrolysis or chemical methods is called chromium plating.
Features: There are two kinds of chrome plating, the first is to play a decorative role, the appearance is bright, the wear resistance is better, the anti-rust ability is not as good as galvanizing, better than oxidation; The second is to increase the hardness, wear resistance, etc. of metal parts, which is the functionality of the parts.
Application: Bright decorative parts on home appliances, electronics and other products, faucets, etc.
Expand your knowledge
1- Electroplating production is mainly based on sewage and heavy metal pollution in sewage, and the state has strictly controlled the expansion of the electroplating industry and reduced year by year.
2- China’s electroplating processing is mainly galvanizing, copper plating, nickel plating, chrome plating, of which zinc plating accounts for 50%, copper plating, chromium, nickel accounted for 30%.
3- If the purpose is to prevent rust, galvanized or cadmium plating can be used; If the focus is on preventing wear, nickel or chrome plating is the best option.