The process of plating a metal on another metal is called electroplating. It is done by hydrolysis, and it is most commonly done to enhance corrosion resistance. An electrical current is used to reduce dissolved cations to develop a lean and coherent metal coating (on the electrode).
When you are interested in modifying the surface features of an object or metal, electroplating can be your best option. It offers users:
- Lubricity
- Corrosion protection
- Abrasion resistance
- Enhance electrical conductivity
- Improved surface uniformity
- Improved wear resistance
Currents are typically introduced from external sources. The cathode is a negative electrode, whereas the anode is a positive electrode. The cathode is the catalyst for the electrochemical reduction reaction. The anode takes care of the electrochemical oxidation reaction. Metals that are dissolved from anodes are plated onto the cathode. For this to happen, the anode needs a direct current that prevents oxidizing and dissolving metal atoms. At the cathode, dissolved metal ions get decreased, and so the metal is then placed on the product.
Plated Wire
Electroplating is customized based on the needs of each client, which means that each project is unique. To get most of the electroplating process, you should fully identify your application and the environment it will operate within.
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