It is hard to visualize a world without metals since the technological advancement of modern societies depends on metals. Some items are made of more metals, while others consist of fewer metals. Others are made of expensive metals, while others are of less value. Also, some metals such as gold and silver appear more attractive compared to other metals.

Metals are tremendously imperative to a high-energy society. They are vital components in the process of electroplating. Electroplating entails coating surfaces with a metal coating by passing an electric current through the components. After electroplating, components undergo a radical transformation in their composition, which offers a new finish fitting. In most cases, the finish is always tougher, weather-resistant, and with an improved aesthetic appearance.

Different metals are used in the process of electroplating. For instance, silver is commonly used for electroplating semi-conductors applications; electroless nickel plating is made up of phosphorous and works best as anti-corrosion. At the same time, gold is an excellent metal when used to protect against corrosion and rust.

Benefits of Electroplating

The uses of electroplating in daily life are wide and have numerous benefits which include:

1. For Aesthetic Purposes

Different metals have a different degree when it comes to value and appearance. For example, gold and silver are more attractive and valuable compared to other metals. Products can mimic the appearance of gold and silver or other precious metals after going through the electroplating process. Through this process, a thin layer of these valuable metals is often plated on a cheaper metal to make it more lustrous and appealing to potential buyers. The final products have better quality and can be sold at a lower cost.

2. To Prevent Corrosion

Metals are highly susceptible to rust and corrosion. Non-corrosive metals such as copper, chromium, and nickel are widely used to coat corrosive metals such as steel and iron, making them last longer than usual. During electroplating, a non-corrosive metal is used to cover the corrosive metals and appliances, thus making them resistant to tarnishing and corrosion.

3. Conduction of Electricity

Some metals such as silver and gold are good conductors of electricity. However, since they are costly, a small portion of these metals are integrated with other metals to surge their conductivity and cut costs. For instance, electronic devices such as computers apply electroplating in their circuits. Also, some metals such as brass and copper, widely used in the manufacturing industry, are plated with a silver coating to improve their conductivity.

4. Electroplating Helps in Increasing Adhesion

Different particles tend to cling to each other through the process of adhesion. Electroplating is an ideal solution for offering an undercoating between the base materials and the outer coatings. With electroplating, materials get an increased tendency of clinging more firmly to the outer coating.

5. Increase Surface Thickness

Some surfaces might require an increase in thickness to enhance their performance. A thicker coating is essential as it enhances the durability of the substrate by protecting it against n corrosion or exposure to destructive chemicals. The electroplating technique helps increase the thickness and longevity of other metals since coated surfaces are less vulnerable to damage when struck or dropped. It is also used to improve the quality of weaker metals by making them hard and strong.

6. It helps to Minimize Friction

Some metals experience too much friction when they are attached. To curb this friction, a small quantity of another metal is introduced to one or both parts to prevent the metals from rubbing against each other. By introducing a protective barrier, surfaces are protected from excessive wear and tear, thus preventing tarnishing and increasing durability. For instance, nickel plating can minimize the accumulation of friction in certain materials such as electrical connectors.

7. Protection from Radiation

Many metals lack intrinsic protection from radiation, abrasion, and other natural destructive forces. To counter this, many metals are plated with a small quantity of protected metal as an extra shielding against these destructive forces. For example, plating with metals such as gold or zinc-nickel protects most components from damage caused by extreme radiations since they are radiations tolerant. Also, astronauts can travel to space where there is extreme solar heat since they use helmets coated with gold to protect them from the harsh impacts of solar radiation.

Electroplating Applications

Some of the applications of electroplating include:

1. Car and Motorbike Parts

One of the practical applications of electroplating is the coating of car and motorbike parts. Car parts are coated using a thin layer of chromium to enhance the texture and appearance. For motorbikes, the exhaust is chrome plated to shield it from rust, harsh weather conditions, damage from debris or stones, and enhance the general appearance. Electroplating can be done on other commercial appliances designed according to buyer’s tastes and preferences.

2. Machinery Parts

Machinery parts depend on electroplating since most of them are highly susceptible to rust and corrosion. For instance, although stainless steel and iron are the most used parts in the industries, they are highly vulnerable to natural phenomena. If not electroplated, they would require frequent replacement due to exposure to rust and corrosion. Therefore, electroplating ensures machinery parts have a protective barrier needed for the application.

3. Building Structures

Most building structures are constantly exposed to harsh and destructive weather conditions, such as rain, storm, and wind. Therefore, to prevent premature wear and tear, they are electroplated to prevent against harsh effects of unpredictable weather conditions.

4. Coins

Coins are used on a day-to-day- basis. Therefore, with how frequently coins are passed from one person to another, they may lose their quality in the long run. Coating coins with metals increases their hardness and makes them stronger. Also, plating the coins protects them from corrosion which can compromise their value.

5. Electronic Devices

Electronic devices lack inherent materials to protect them against corrosion. To make up for this, several parts in electronic devices are plated with metals to prevent corrosion and other reactions between each other. The coating makes them safer to use, improves their lifetime performance, and also enhances their conductivity.

Choose the Right Plating Process

Electroplating is an imperative element in our day-to-day lives. However, there are many criteria and factors to consider before choosing the proper plating process. For example, the size of the component, volume of pieces, certifications, and others. Depending on your needs, use suitable materials and processes for better results.