The History of Electroplating – Why Is It Done?

Its applications and effects on various elements are fascinating, but equally interesting is its journey to becoming a key process in many aspects of modern life. Let’s explore the history of electroplating and answer an essential question – why do we use it today?

Industrial Electroplating – Where It All Began

The history of electroplating, which involves coating metal surfaces with thin layers of other metals, dates back to the 18th century. Although the process wasn’t yet invented at the time, the groundwork for its development was laid.

Two key figures played significant roles in this journey. Luigi Galvani discovered electrical phenomena in animal tissues, which drew attention to the field of electrochemistry – crucial for electroplating. Alessandro Volta, building on Galvani’s discoveries, observed that electricity is generated by metals immersed in an electrolyte. He was the first to demonstrate the effects of various metals and created the first galvanic cell, also known as Volta’s cell.

These discoveries led scientists in the 19th century to use electric currents to coat metal objects with other metals. The most significant achievement came from Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli, who first coated silver with a thin layer of gold using electrolysis. Although his work was not appreciated by Napoleon Bonaparte, it was published in Belgian newspapers and inspired further scientific progress.

The process of electroplating with zinc (thus protecting iron from corrosion) was officially patented in 1837 by French engineer Stanislas Sorel. Three years later, George Richard Elkington and H. de Ruolz patented the methods for electro-gilding and electro-silvering, revolutionizing the jewelry industry. London industrialist Henry Palmer also contributed significantly by introducing galvanized steel plates for roofing.

Electroplating in the 19th and 20th Centuries – Rapid Development

These discoveries spurred further advancements in metal electroplating. In the 19th century, Carl Wilhelm Siemens developed more precise methods for controlling the thickness of electroplated layers. This allowed for greater protection and refinement of various products.

By the 20th century, electroplating had become a standard technique for protecting steel and iron from corrosion, especially in industries such as construction, automotive, and shipbuilding. Electro-galvanizing was widely used in manufacturing pipes, sheets, and industrial components, even during World War I and II. Metals such as nickel and chrome were also introduced, adding both protective and aesthetic qualities.

The Applications of Electroplating – Why Is It Done?

Today, electroplating is a complex set of processes that improve the mechanical and electrical properties of metal elements, enhancing their durability, reliability, and aesthetics. Electroplating is most commonly used to:

• Improve electrical and thermal conductivity;
• Protect metals from corrosion, oxidation, and mechanical damage;
• Harden surfaces;
• Provide antibacterial properties;
• Enhance the aesthetic appeal of various items.

Electroplating is applied to a wide range of metal products, including fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts), pipes, sheets, fences, gates, automotive parts, tools, jewelry, and even furniture. Industrial electroplating is present in nearly every aspect of our lives, improving the quality and durability of the objects we use daily or that surround us.

Copper and Aluminum Electroplating – A Specialty of Electris

At Electris, we offer electroplating services for copper and aluminum alloys. Our coatings create a durable layer on the surface of treated items, providing enhanced conductivity and resistance to external factors and mechanical damage. To meet the needs of our customers, we perform various electroplating processes:

• nickel plating;
• tin plating;
• silver plating;
• copper undercoating.

Each process delivers different results. If you want to learn more, check out our article titled Electroplating Metals – What It Is and the Different Types.

If you’re interested in a customized electroplating offer for copper or aluminum components, contact us at: sales@electris.pl.