The process of electroplating was developed in the early 19th century; since then, it has become one of the most popular metal-finishing processes. Electroplating creates a thin layer of metal on an object, and by doing so, combines the characteristics of both materials in one component – for example, the lightweight durability of plastic, with the corrosion resistance and hardness of chrome plating. Though the process is simple, it is also delicate, and electroplaters must possess great attention to detail, in addition to a variety of other skills.
To electroplate an item, called a substrate or anode, it and another item composed of the desired plating material (a cathode) are submerged in a chemical bath, and an electrical current is run through both objects. The current creates charged metal ions, which adhere to the substrate because it possesses an opposite charge; this process is known as electrodeposition.
Though the process itself is simple, it is also delicate, and there are a variety of details which must be closely controlled in order to ensure that the process is successful. The chemical bath, in which the two objects are submerged, is composed of a delicate balance of chemicals, and if the concentration of any of these substances is off, the electrodeposition process will be unsuccessful.
The amount of required electrical current will differ for each project, and depends on the materials involved; whatever the appropriate level is, however, it must be maintained throughout the process, or the plating will be uneven, or will adhere poorly.
Irregularly shaped substrates will plate at varying rates across their surfaces – for example, holes or indents will plate much more slowly than flat surfaces or external corners – and these variances should be taken into account when determining the setup for plating, such as racking or jigging.
Another of the electroplater’s responsibilities is to properly prepare the substrate for finishing. Processes such as bead blasting, vapor degreasing, physical polishing and stripping are a few of many processes to accomplish this vital step.
If dirt, oil or imperfections are present on the substrate’s surface, the plating will adhere poorly, which will result in flaking, cracking, and a finish that doesn’t last. The combination of materials used also affects adhesion, as not all plating materials adhere well to all substrates.
Therefore, platers must know which plating material to use, based on the desired substrate, to ensure a quality finish and good adhesion.
In addition to being knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the finishing process, electroplaters must also be able to establish a relationship with customers and consumers. An electroplater’s main responsibility is to deliver a satisfactory product to their customers, and to do so, they must know enough about the process to suggest finishes that will provide the desired product, but they must also be able to envision what it is that the customer is looking for.
They must also be able to save customers time and money by determining when a component can be repaired or re-plated, instead of altogether replacing it. A quality product at a competitive price, and great customer service, are the key factors required for customer satisfaction.
Metal or surface finishers, metal surface treaters, and other terms are also used to describe electroplaters. Considering the wide variety of skills that electroplaters must have, and all the job functions they have to perform, it is only fitting that there are so many words to describe them.
Experienced, knowledgeable electroplaters can save a company and a customer time and money by providing a better quality product in less time, not wasting materials, and doing the jobs of an entire team of entry-level, inexperienced staff.
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