Electroplating of metals - What is it and what are its types?

 These processes can improve electrical conductivity, increase corrosion resistance, and harden the surface. What is metal electroplating, in which industrial sectors is it used, and what types of electroplating processes can be applied?

What is Metal Electroplating and how does it work?

Metal electroplating involves coating metal surfaces with a layer of another metal, such as nickel, tin, silver, or copper. It is an electrochemical process in which two different metals, the one being electroplated (cathode) and the one serving as the anode, are placed in an electrolyte solution. By applying an electric current, electrons flow from the anode to the cathode, causing metal ions to form an electroplated layer. The result of the electroplating process is a metallic coating with specific, desired properties. This technique enhances the characteristics of the electroplated elements and is widely used in various industries such as power engineering, automotive, electronics, medical, and jewellery manufacturing. Electris specialises in processing various copper and aluminium components. One of the technological processes available in our company is applying electroplated coatings to components made from different copper and aluminium alloys.

What Does Electroplating Metal Achieve? What are the benefits of electroplating?

Metal electroplating is an integral part of modern technologies in the power engineering industry. Processes such as nickel plating, tin plating, silver plating, and copper plating improve the mechanical and electrical properties of elements, increasing their durability and reliability. Electroplating allows the creation of highly efficient components with better electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, which are crucial for ensuring the stability and efficiency of power systems. Electroplating metal can achieve various effects depending on the type of electroplated coating. This process is commonly used to:

• Improve electrical and/or thermal conductivity;
• Increase resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and wear;
• enhance mechanical strength;
• Harden the surface;
• Improve visual appeal and aesthetics;
• Provide antibacterial properties.

Properly conducted electroplating creates a complex, functional layer that is conductive, protective, and decorative.

Types of Electroplating Processes

At Electris, we offer electroplating processes such as nickel plating, silver plating, tin plating, and copper plating, performed on various copper and aluminium elements. Each process achieves different effects and is suitable for different metal surfaces.

1. Nickel Plating

Involves immersing metal components in an electrolyte bath containing nickel salts. By applying an electric current, nickel ions are reduced and deposited on the surface of aluminium or copper. Electrolytic nickel plating offers many benefits, primarily providing higher electrical conductivity due to nickel's excellent conductive properties. Components subjected to this electroplating process are used in the power engineering industry. Moreover, nickel plating improves the corrosion, oxidation, and high-temperature resistance of metal elements, hardens the surface, and enhances visual appeal.

2. Silver Plating

Electrolytic silver plating is one of the oldest and most commonly used metalworking techniques. It aims to apply a thin silver coating to the metal surface, typically copper or aluminium. This process ensures magnificent electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and antibacterial properties. Silver electroplating is widely used in industries such as electronics, power engineering, and automotive.

3. Tin Plating

Aluminium or copper can also be coated with a layer of tin. In this process, electroplated layers are applied using acid or alkaline solutions rich in tin ions. The result is increased conductivity, a reduced friction coefficient, and protection against corrosion and oxidation. Due to the excellent properties of metals subjected to electrolytic tin plating, this process is valued in many industries, from power engineering and electronics to the automotive industry.

4. Copper Plating

Another advanced electroplating technique is electrolytic copper plating, which involves immersing metal components in an electrolyte containing copper ions. By applying an electric current, a reaction occurs, resulting in an electroplated layer that improves electrical conductivity, protects against corrosion, and enhances the durability of the component. Copper electroplating is widely used in various industries, including electrical (for producing connectors or semiconductor components), power engineering (for protecting various components), construction (for producing structural elements), and automotive (for corrosion protection of car parts).

5. Combining Electroplated Coatings with Epoxy Coatings

Electris also offers its clients the latest technology for powder coating copper and aluminium elements with appropriate masking and combining these coatings with electroplated ones: tinned, silvered, or nickel-plated. Powder coating busbars aims to create an insulating layer with specific physicochemical, aesthetic, and functional properties. These elements are used in battery production, charging stations, and power banks for the automotive and e-mobility industries.

Metal Electroplating - How Much Does It Cost and What Does the Price of This Service Depend On?

The cost of metal electroplating depends on several factors that influence the complexity and scale of the process. Key factors include:

1. Coating type: Different metals, such as nickel, tin, silver, or copper, have varying market prices and costs associated with their processing.
2. Surface Area:
3. Thickness of the Coating
4. Preparation Requirements
5. Additional Processes:

For a precise quote tailored to your needs, contact us at sales@electris.pl. Each order is customized based on your specific requirements and application.

How to prepare metal for electroplating?

The effectiveness of metal electroplating is based on the proper preparation of the specific element. This process includes:

• Cleaning, which involves removing various contaminants, including rust, dust, and residues from previous treatments;
• Degreasing, where fats and oils are removed to ensure high-quality bonding between the metal coating and the electroplated surface;
• Etching and pickling, which remove the oxide layer from the surface, ensuring excellent adhesion.

Conducting all these processes in the correct order is crucial for achieving a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing electroplated coating.

Metal Electroplating at Electris

At Electris, we offer metal electroplating using all four methods described above, specialising in protecting copper and aluminium surfaces. With over 20 years of experience and state-of-the-art technological facilities, we also offer the most advanced powder coating technology for copper and aluminium elements. For more details, please contact us – each electroplating process is fully customised based on the client's individual needs.