Electroplating

Electroplating applied to steel hub

Electroplating is a metal finishing process used to finish your part surface by submersing the part in a tank of chemicals and applying an electric current. Electroplating coats or alters the part surface with a thin layer.

Electroplating can be used to:

• Prevent corrosion
• Increase mechanical durability
• Alter surface friction
• Improve appearance
• etc.
  

Electroplating can be done for parts made by all fabrication machines and is generally used on parts made of:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Steel
• Brass

Electroplating does not substantially hide or smooth surface imperfections. For example if you mill a part with 63 surface finish and then silver plate, it will not have a polished look. It is necessary to mechanically finish a surface first in most decorative applications.

Larger parts are usually plated on racks where the parts are hung before submersing. Barrel plating is often used for small parts where the parts sit at the bottom of a tank.