Electroplating is primarily used to apply a thin layer of metal onto a surface through an electrochemical process. This technique has numerous applications in manufacturing, as well as other industries. Here, we explore some of the key practical uses of electroplating.
Here are some key applications of Electroplating:
|
Table of Contents |
Precious metals like gold and silver are frequently used for electroplating to enhance the aesthetic appeal of various objects. Electroplating allows these expensive metals to coat cheaper metals, providing an attractive finish at a lower cost. This is particularly popular in the production of jewelry and decorative items.
Electroplating is commonly used in various commercial applications. For instance, car parts are often coated with a thin layer of chromium for a smooth finish. Other appliances and products are also electroplated according to customer specifications.
Metals are prone to corrosion, which can be effectively prevented using electroplating. Non-corrosive metals like copper, chromium, and nickel are used to coat corrosive metals like steel and iron, thereby increasing their lifespan.
Good conductors of electricity such as gold and silver are extensively used in integrated circuits found in computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Given their high cost, a thin layer of these metals is electroplated onto other metals to facilitate the conduction of electricity.
Electroplating can also be used to reduce friction by coating a specific type of metal over another. This is particularly useful in industries where the reduction of friction can enhance efficiency and longevity of certain components.
Another significant application of electroplating is in providing protection from radiation and other natural phenomena. By coating a metal surface with a particular type of metal, certain desired characteristics can be imparted to the surface, which may lack these properties.
What is electroplating?
Electroplating is the process of coating a metal with a different metal by the method of hydrolysis. In other words, electroplating is a method by which metal ions move via a chemical solution from a positive electrode to a negative electrode.
What are the uses of electroplating?
The most familiar uses of electroplating are: Used in jewellery, Purification of metals, Changing the texture of metal surfaces, Preventing corrosion, Facilitating conduction in circuit boards.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a method that employs a direct current to activate a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is the basis of electroplating.
How does electroplating help in the conduction of electricity?
Integrated circuits that are used in electronic devices use excellent conductors such as silver and gold. As they are very expensive, their usages are very restricted in order to keep the expense low. With the help of electroplating, we can precisely use the available metals without any wastage. These precious high-quality metals can be coated as a thin layer over other metals, ultimately facilitating the smooth conduction of electricity.
How does electroplating help in preventing corrosion?
As metals are prone to natural effects such as corrosion, a thin layer of non-corrosive metals covering the corrosive ones can help metals and appliances last longer than usual. Electroplating can be used to coat non-corrosive metals over corrosive ones.