Electroplating Procedure
Electroplating Procedure
Electroplating is a process used to coat a conductive object (like a hydraulic cylinder piston rod)
with a thin layer of metal using an electrical current. Here's a step-by-step outline of the
electroplating procedure:
1. Surface Preparation:
- Cleaning: The object to be plated is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, oil, or grease.
- Mechanical Preparation: Any surface imperfections, such as scratches or rust, are removed.
- Rinse: After cleaning, the object is rinsed in distilled water to remove any cleaning agents.
2. Surface Activation:
- Acid Etching: The object may be dipped into an acid solution to roughen the surface slightly.
- Activation: The object is treated with specific chemicals to further activate the surface.
3. Electroplating Setup:
- Anode and Cathode Setup: The object to be plated acts as the cathode, and the metal to be
- Electrolyte Solution: The object and the anode are submerged in a bath of electrolyte solution.
- Electrical Current: A DC electrical current is applied, causing the metal to deposit onto
the object.
4. Plating Process:
- Duration: The amount of time and strength of the current control the thickness of the plating.
- Plating Thickness: For chrome plating, the thickness can vary depending on the application.
5. Post-Plating Finishing:
- Rinsing: After plating, the object is rinsed again to remove any residual electrolyte.
- Polishing: The newly plated surface is polished for a smooth, reflective finish.
6. Quality Control:
- Final Testing: Thickness, adhesion, and uniformity are tested to meet required specifications.
This procedure is commonly used to repair, protect, or restore components like hydraulic cylinder