ELECTROPLATING

This is also a surface finishing process. Electroplating is defined the process of coating a metal object
with a thin layer of another metal by means of electrolysis. During the process, the surface to be
covered acts as a cathode in an electrolytic cell, and the metal that is to cover it acts as an anode. A
suitable electrolyte is used. Both the material the coating is made of and the one to be coated are
placed in the electrolyte and a current is passed through the circuit. The anode dissolves and is
deposited on the cathode. Electroplating has many positive effects in the final properties of
manufactured materials.

APPLICATIONS
GIVING THE FINISHING PRODUCT A PROTECTIVE COVER
Adding a metal finish to industrial materials enables those items to have a higher level of protection
against atmospheric conditions. For example, corrosion often affects various metals and causes them to
get degraded over time. When electroplating is done with a non-corrosive material, these products can
have a longer lifespan and incur lower maintenance costs.. The non-corrosive metals such as copper,
chromium, and nickel are basically used to spread over corrosive metals like steel and iron.

TO IMPROVE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

For materials that are intended for use in electrical products, inducing electrical conductivity is an
important process. Electroplating makes this possible by adding a metal finish to the surface of the
product. For example, adding a thin layer of silver is a common way in which electrical conductivity is
induced in a material. This is more economic than creating the entire part out of silver.

IMPROVING AESTHETIC VALUE

A metal finish can turn a plain-looking substance into an attractive and shiny end product. This is often
observed with jewelry, where electroplating is used to add a thin layer of precious metal to a product.
Electroplating gives the piece of jewelry a shiny and lustrous appearance that attracts attention. This
also makes jewelry more affordable because the product is not actually made entirely of precious metal.

ADDING HEAT RESISTANCE

There are some industrial components that need to have high heat resistance so they don't melt or
otherwise degrade in such conditions. For example, engine parts typically need to have high hat
resistance to keep the engine functioning correctly.

Electroplating adds a layer of a zinc-nickel alloy or gold. These metals are capable of withstanding very
high temperatures and they protect the underlying material from heat damage.

ADDING MAGNETIC PROPERTIES

Magnetic properties are important for products that are used in electronics, engineering, and other
similar applications. Electroplating can induce magnetic properties in a substance by adding a nickel-
plated layer. This metal contains strong magnetic properties and makes the original material usable in
industrial applications.

REDUCING FRICTION
Materials used in different processes tend to rub or grind against each other often. This causes friction
and can lead to the wear and tear of those components in a relatively short time. A great way to reduce
friction between components is to add nickel plating to the surface of those items. Nickel plating
reduces friction and provides a smooth and polished surface for smooth contact.