At Arizona Iron Supply in Phoenix, we want you to know about the quality items we stock and how they’re produced, so you can choose the right item for your next business endeavor or project. In this post, we will talk about the process of electroplating and some of its common uses. Electroplating is a process similar to sheet galvanizing. It involves applying a thin, protective coating of one metal to a base metal.

The Process of Electroplating Explained

Electroplating uses an electro-deposition process. This means that the deposited metal coating becomes part of the base metal. The process of electroplating can be used with many different metals. One example is the application of a zinc coating applied to sheet steel. In this case, both metals are immersed in an electrolytic bath. Then an electric current is passed through the solution. This causes a transfer of metal ions from the anode (zinc) to the cathode (steel), plating the zinc coating onto the steel.

Electroplating is sometimes referred to as electrogalvanizing. As we stated above, it is very similar to the process of hot-dip galvanization, but electroplating has a few key differences. It provides lower thickness deposits with comparable performance and brighter, more aesthetically appealing deposits.

Metals Suitable for Electroplating

• Nickel
• Black nickel/chromium
• Chromium
• Palladium or Palladium Nickel Alloy
• Gold
• Silver
• Copper
• Tin
• Platinum
• Ruthenium
• Cadmium
• Brass
• Zinc

Benefits and Uses of Electroplating

Electroplating is commonly used for two reasons: protection and decoration. Metals such as zinc and tin are used as plating to provide a protective coating that is more resistant to corrosion. The other reason is decorative. Metals such as gold and silver are often used on jewelry and silverware to make them more attractive. Chromium has the benefits of both protection and attractiveness. Chromium is often used on car fenders to make them shinier and resistant to corrosion. Another application is the use of coating nickel with gold or palladium. Since nickel isn’t supposed to come into contact with skin, the gold or palladium provide protection from contact with the nickel.

The process of electroplating provides protection for many of the metal products we sell at Arizona Iron Supply in Phoenix. It also adds a decorative element to our inventory. Here’s a link to our stock of galvanized, electroplated metal. If you have questions about any of our electroplated products or you’d like to know more about our sizable catalog, give us a call at 1-800-528-9875, or check out our website.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/28/2019) Pixaby