What is Electroplating and How Does it Work?

Electroplating is a metal finishing process that’s used in many industries for a variety of applications. Also known as electrodeposition, the process involves depositing a thin layer of metal onto the surface of a product or workpiece. A popular example of electroplating is gold-plated jewelry. It may be surprising to know that this advanced technique dates back centuries to the 1800s.

Today, electroplating is used with various metals and alloys. Understanding how electroplating works is important if you’re thinking about incorporating this manufacturing process. In this guide, we’ll go over the details that define electroplating, the process, metals commonly used, types of methods, examples, and more. We’ll also include a section dedicated to extending the lifespan of your tanks with custom electroplating tank liners by reputable companies like Perfect Fit Tank Liners offered by CTO Enterprises.

What is Electroplating?

Electroplating is the process of using an electric current to deposit a thin layer of metal onto the surface of a workpiece, known as the substrate. This advanced metal finishing method enhances the properties of the material, improving durability, corrosion resistance, and appearance. What was once used during the Industrial Revolution is now commonly used in many manufacturing processes worldwide.

The Electroplating Process

The electroplating process involves using an electric current to deposit metal onto a surface. Through principles of electrochemistry, the metal transfer occurs via an electrolyte solution or a bath containing dissolved metal salts. This chemical process for electroplating requires four components:

• Anode (Positive Electrode): Anode is the metal intended to be placed onto the substrate’s surface. When the current flows through it, metal atoms from the anode dissolve into the electrolyte solution as positively charged ions.
• Cathode (Negative Electrode): Cathode is the substrate or the part receiving the metal layer. The cathode attracts dissolved metal ions from the electrolyte solution.
• Electrolyte Solution: This facilitates the process of metal ions moving between the electrodes. Electrolyte solutions contain dissolved metal salts such as copper sulfate.
• Power Source (Direct Current): The power source provides the electric current for the electrochemical reaction. The direct current causes ions to move from the anode to the cathode, depositing the metal evenly onto the substrate.

Several factors, including corrosion, can disrupt this process. Durable electroplating tank liners, like Perfect Fit Tank Liners offered by CTO Enterprises, provide essential protection to combat these issues effectively.

Metals Used in Electroplating

Electroplating uses various metals and alloys, each having their own characteristics. Some of the most common metals used in electroplating are:

• Copper – Offers excellent electrical conductivity, heat resistance, and adhesion properties.
• Gold – Known for its high corrosion resistance and aesthetic quality, it is perfect for jewelry.
• Zinc – Highly corrosion-resistant and can help prevent rust.
• Nickel – Has high wear resistance and protection against corrosion.
• Silver – Known for high electrical and thermal conductivity.
• Tin – Offers affordability and strength in corrosion resistance and solderability.
• Palladium – Provides hardness and corrosion resistance and has an aesthetic quality.

Types of Electroplating Techniques

Many industries use electroplating for different applications, which requires different types of electroplating techniques tailored to specific manufacturing needs, which include the following:

• Barrel Plating: This technique is ideal for efficiently plating large quantities of small parts. Components are rotated in a barrel submerged in a plating solution.
• Rack Electroplating: Optimal for delicate or large components that cannot withstand the physical stress of barre plating. With this technique, items are securely mounted on a rack, allowing for precise deposition of metal.
• Electroless Plating: Unlike traditional electroplating, this technique doesn’t use an electrical current. Instead, metals are chemically deposited onto the substrate, making it ideal for irregularly shaped components. This is also a good solution for materials that are incompatible with electrical currents. Use electroless plating tank liners to further enhance your operation.

To ensure these electroplating processes run smoothly, tanks must be protected against corrosion and chemical damage. Electroplating tank liners offer an effective protection layer that can fight against chemical damage.

Electroplating Examples

Electroplating examples exist in almost every industry, from automakers to aerospace. This process is applied to improve functionality, aesthetics, and durability. Here are some examples of the widespread usage of electroplating:

• Electronics – The electronics industry performs electroplating for various components, like copper plating semiconductors, to increase the ability of circuits to conduct electricity.
• Automotive – Palladium plating is common in the automotive industry for catalytic converters. This metal features unique catalytic properties and absorbs hydrogen.
• Medical – Medical equipment uses silver plating to enhance biocompatibility and conductivity. Silver has natural antimicrobial properties, which makes it perfect for medical applications.
• Industrial Components – Electroless nickel plating is mostly used in aerospace, oil and gas, and automotive industries. This type of electroplating works well on intricate and internal surfaces.

Benefits of Electroplating Tank Liners

Electroplating operations heavily rely on the use of hard chemicals such as aggressive metal salts and other corrosive electrolytes. These substances can degrade the integrity of plating tanks, which can lead to safety hazards. Implementing electroplating tank liners, particularly custom-made solutions like Perfect Fit Tank Liners offered by CTO Enterprises, addresses these issues. Here are the reasons why electroplating tank liners are indispensable for these intense operations:

1. Cost-Effective Alternative to New Tanks – Electroplating tanks often experience significant wear due to chemical exposure. Replacing damaged tanks is expensive, which is why tank liners are a cost-effective solution.
2. Exceptional Chemical Resistance – Perfect Fit Tank Liners use specially formulated chemical-resistant flexible PVC materials. These can withstand extended exposure to acids, bases, solvents, and other aggressive metal solutions.
3. Quick and Easy Installation – Because Perfect Fit Tank Liners are custom-made as drop-in solutions, they offer straightforward installation, reducing downtown compared to other protective methods.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Perfect Fit Tank Liners can enhance your application, visit our Resources page, or contact our experts, and we’ll help identify the right solution for your needs. We also offer express tank liner service if you need a quick-turnaround.

Extend The Lifespan of Your Tanks With Perfect Fit’s Electroplating Tank Liners

Electroplating tanks operate in some of the harshest chemical environments. Industries turn to custom-fitted tank liners to make sure the tanks remain structurally sound and functional. This is where Perfect Fit Tank Liners offers an unbeatable solution. Made from chemically-resistant materials, these tank liners reliably protect tanks from corrosion, which extends their operational lifespan. Contact our experts or request a quote today to find a solution tailored to your exact requirements.