Step-by-Step Electroplating Process
STEP 1: A technician formulates solutions for use in the electroplating process by combining acids and aqueous metals to form an electrolytic bath. The constituent solutions contain free metal ions that will be deposited onto the “work” (the material being plated) via electrical current.
STEP 2: Pre-mixed batches of plating solution are augmented with ingots of sacrificial metals (in this case copper—located in hanging baskets) to provide an abundant source of free-metal ions for an initial “underflash” deposit onto the work.
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STEP 6: Parts are then immersed in an electrolytic bath of sulfuric acid and surface-metal plating material. Electricity is applied. The acid activates the surface of the parts, creating an ionic path for plating. The submerged metal ingots act as anodes (by giving up ions), while the work functions as a cathode (by taking on ions).
STEP 5: After the zincate process, the work receives an “underplating” in an electroless nickel solution and is rinsed thoroughly three times.
QwikConnect • April 2023
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