You can’t change common chemical elements and turn them into something rare and valuable, but industrial metal plating (also known as electroplating) is almost the next best thing. In this post we’re going to look at everything you need to know about industrial metal plating.

Everything you Need to Know About Industrial Metal Plating – What is it?

Metal plating describes a process. The concept behind metal plating is using electricity to coat mundane metals, like copper, with a layer of a precious metal, such as silver. But industrial metal plating has other uses besides making cheap metals look expensive. It also makes some items rust-resistant.

For example, something else that metal plating can be used for is producing a number of useful alloys, such as bronze and brass. In fact, electroplating can also be used to make plastic resemble metal. The next step we’re going to talk about that is related to everything you need to know about industrial metal plating is how this process works.

Everything you Need to Know About Industrial Metal Plating – Electroplating and Electricity

Industrial metal plating involves putting an electric current through an electrolyte – a solution containing ions that can be decomposed by electrolysis. Two terminals, called electrodes, are dipped into the solution and then are connected into a circuit with a power supply, such as a battery. Once the electricity flows through the circuit, the electrolyte divides a few of the metal atoms and they’re deposited on top of one of the electrodes. Many types of industrial metals are plated this way. The process is similar to electrolysis, and it creates an end product that is industrially useful. You may have noticed that everything you need to know about industrial metal plating is related to science.

Everything you Need to Know About Industrial Metal Plating – Looks vs Durability

Industrial metal plating is a process that is used to be protective or decorative. For example, car fenders used to be made from tough steel and were plated with chromium to make them rust-resistant and shiny. Today, it’s more common that rustproof plastics are used and then plated. Alloys such as bronze and brass can also be plated. As well, electroplating is used to make duplicates of items, like printing plates. It strengthens, protects, and improves appearance.

Everything you Need to Know About Industrial Metal Plating – Why use it?

Industrial metal plating is used for two reasons. Metals such as silver and gold are plated for decoration. For example, gold or silver plated jewelry is cheaper than items that are made from expensive and precious substances. Metals such as zinc and tin, which aren’t pleasing to the eye, are plated to protect the outer layer.

We hope you’re confident you know everything you need to know about industrial metal plating. If you want to know more, or if you’d like to get a quote, you can contact us anytime. We’d love to help you. At Sunglo, we’re experts when it comes to industrial plating, and we offer a wide range of services.