High Tech Galvanics

High Tech Galvanics

Electroplating is a process that uses an electrical current to deposit a thin metal layer on the surface of a conductive metal part. This thin metal layer is deposit from an electrolyte which contains the ions of the specific metal. Electroplating is primary used for changing the properties, such as wear resistance, corrosion resistance, friction etc., of metal parts. Also is electroplating used for repair of worn out parts and for the fabrication of parts.

The principles of electroplating are as follows:

In an water based electrolyte, which contains conductive salts and ions of the to be plated metal, a metal or conductive part is connected with the negative pole (cathode) of a rectifier. At the same time is the positive pole of the rectifier (anode) connected with sheets of metal which are of the same sort as the metal ions in the solution.

When the rectifier is turned on, a current will start to flow and will discharge metals ions at the cathode which results in a metal deposition on the submerged part. Simultaneously, the current flow will cause oxidation of the metal sheet at the anode. This oxidized metal will dissolve in the electrolyte, creating new metal ions.