Electroplating

Electroplating is the process of plating metal with another metal. Electroplating uses a process called electrodeposition to apply metal coating on a conductive surface. This includes chromium plating, nickel plating, zinc plating, copper plating, electroless nickel plating and the associated baths, chemistries and pollution control methods.

Electroplating

Choosing Electroless Nickel Plating Chemistry

A plater’s approach to deciding which EN chemistry is the best choice.

ESSENTIAL READING

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Electroplating 1 Mar 2024

How to Choose Between Sulfate and Chloride-Based Trivalent Chromium

There are several factors to consider when choosing between sulfate and chloride-based baths for trivalent chromium plating. Mark Schario of Columbia Chemical discusses the differences and what platers should keep in mind when evaluating options.

Ask The Expert 22 Aug 2023

Prevent Plating Problems with Critical Inspections

Tanks and their contents should be regularly inspected visually and analytically. When a quality issue arises, it is important to quickly pinpoint where the main problem is by checking which parameter is out of line.

basics 17 Jun 2023

An Overview of Electroless Nickel Plating

By definition, electroless plating is metal deposition by a controlled chemical reaction.

basics 6 May 2023

A Chromium Plating Overview

An overview of decorative and hard chromium electroplating processes.

Electroplating 9 Mar 2023

How to Maximize Nickel Plating Performance

The advantages of boric acid-free nickel plating include allowing manufacturers who utilize nickel plating to keep up the ever-changing regulatory policies and support sustainability efforts.

basics 21 Nov 2022

Zinc Electroplating

Choosing the best process for your operation.

Latest Electroplating News And Updates

Electroplating 30 May 2024

Proper Chemical Handling for Plating

Every year, improper chemical handling in industrial environments leads to injury and significant financial loss. Read about how to stay safe.

Anodizing 17 May 2024

Veteran-Owned Metal Finishing Company Recognized

Andrew Kossowski recognized as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2024 State of Florida Veteran Business Owner of the Year.

Electroplating 15 May 2024

Innovation in Plating on Plastic

Plating on advanced plastics solution offers improved adhesion, temperature resistance and cost savings.

Electroplating 15 May 2024

Practical Observations in Surface Chemistry and Boundary Layer Control to Enable Scalable Electrochemical Operation - The 57th William Blum Lecture

This paper is based on the 57th William Blum Memorial Lecture at SUR/FIN 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio on June 8, 2023, by Dr. Tim Hall, recipient of the 2023 NASF Scientific Achievement Award. It focuses on the practical effects of controlling the boundary and surface chemistry on a wide range of electrochemical applications. After a brief introduction to the concept and principles of surface and boundary layer properties during electrochemical processes, the use of this approach in controlling various physical properties during electroplating and electrochemical finishing is discussed, including controlling coating stress and metal composition, as well as enabling simple water-based electrolytes to polish passive or complex materials.

Electroplating 15 May 2024

NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #123: Electrochemical Manufacturing for Energy Applications – 8th Quarterly Report

The NASF-AESF Foundation Research Board selected a project on electrodeposition toward developing low-cost and scalable manufacturing processes for hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis cells for clean transportation and distributed power applications. This report covers the 8th quarter of work (October-December 2023, continuing work on 3D printing anode support for solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers. Work involved the effect of sintering temperature on the amount of porosity and grain size in 3D printed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ).

nasf 12 May 2024

NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #123: Electrochemical Manufacturing for Energy Applications - 7th Quarterly Report

The NASF-AESF Foundation Research Board selected a project on electrodeposition toward developing low-cost and scalable manufacturing processes for hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis cells for clean transportation and distributed power applications. In this period, we followed our work on 3D printing anode support for solid oxide fuel cells, SOFC (or cathode for solid oxide electrolyzers, SOEC) based on our designed optimization outlined in the previous report. We worked on optimizing the printing parameters, obtaining binder burn out and sintering profiles to obtain printed parts with desired geometry and properties.

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Ask The Expert 7 May 2024

Torque Tension Modifiers

Matt Schario of Columbia Chemical discusses the principles of torque tension and why it is a concern for platers who coat fasteners.

aerospace 22 Apr 2024

Top Shop’s Journey to Building a Unique Brand

Since this new Ohio plater took over the space and assets of a former plating business, it is intentional about setting itself apart from prior ownership.

Ask The Expert 22 Apr 2024

Trends in Plating on Plastic

As plastics have become more ubiquitous, the demand for metal plating of plastics has increased.

Electroplating 20 Apr 2024

NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #123: Electrochemical Manufacturing for Energy Applications - 9th Quarterly Report

This NASF-AESF Foundation research project report covers the ninth quarter of project work (January-March 2024) at the University of Texas at Dallas. In this period, we followed our work on 3D printing anode support for solid oxide fuel cells, SOFC (or cathode for solid oxide electrolyzers, SOEC). We focused on the mechanical properties of 3D printed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) using a four-point bending test. We then conducted a statistical analysis to characterize the flexural strength of porous 3D printed YSZ. The full paper on the ninth quarter work can be accessed and printed at short.pfonline.com/NASF24June2.

regulation 3 Apr 2024

Hexavalent to trivalent chromium — the environmental benefits

Regulatory pressures to switch from hexavalent chromium to trivalent alternatives are a growing concern for many finishing operations. In this Products Finishing Ask the Expert clinic, Brittany McKinney of Pavco discusses the environmental considerations driving these regulations.

Powder Coating 15 Mar 2024

Cheers to Another National Surface Finishing Day

Celebrating the contributions of finishing operations across the nation.

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FAQ: Electroplating

What is the difference between hexavalent and trivalent chrome?

The sulfate/chloride process has shown indefinite electrolyte life, process stability, ease of use, and excellent exterior corrosion performance. From an operational performance standpoint, throwing power is much better with trivalent chromium. Trivalent chromium is also extremely forgiving with respect to current interruption (this feature eliminates the occurrence of white wash commonly experienced with hexavalent chromium). The advantages of improved covering power and uniform thickness have eliminated the need for use of auxiliary anodes for plating difficult geometries.

https://www.pfonline.com/articles/how-trivalent-chrome-compares-to-hexavalent

How do you apply the 720 rule to current density anodizing?

The 720 Rule describes the relationship between the amount of current passed through an aluminum surface and the resultant anodic oxide thickness produced over time. It is known that 720 amp-minutes of current per square foot of load are required to produce one mil (0.001" or 25.4 microns) of anodic oxide.

https://www.pfonline.com/articles/how-to-apply-the-720-rule-to-current-density-anodizing

How do you calculate electroless nickel square footage?

Calculating the proper square footage of work that you would be able to process through your EN bath is key for determining the proper costing for a job, as well as, providing a reference for proper bath performance. As we are trying to calculate for the square footage, or the area, that can be processed through a solution, you would also need to consider the thickness of your final product. As the thickness increases per part, the total amount of nickel eligible to be plated decreases, thus decreasing the amount of area that can be plated.

https://www.pfonline.com/articles/calculating-electroless-nickel-square-footage

How is electrolysis used in electroplating ?

In electrolysis, in contrast to chemical synthesis, one can easily control the reaction rate of a system by working at a given current density, or easily select the magnitude of the driving force for the reaction by adjustment of the electrode potential. Modern electronics has greatly enhanced this inherent advantage of electrolysis by allowing current or voltage to be applied as almost any function of time.

https://www.pfonline.com/articles/qualitative-approach-to-pulse-plating

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