Metal finishing is a process that has radically improved with technology. Even though this empirical process has adopted well with technological changes, the scientific principles upon which electroplating processes are based remain the same. Modern-day electroplating methods are used across all industries, including defense, aerospace, medical, and pretty much any industry that deals with electronic goods. This electrochemical process in which metal ions are fused to metal substrates is very important. It makes the metal substrate more secure and aesthetic. For instance, gold sellers electroplate their golden goods to make them look better.
The Jewelry Industry
Electroplating is very common in the jewelry industry. For instance, silver-plated jewelry is much cheaper than a jewelry set made of solid silver. Hence, people like to buy silver or gold-plated jewelry sets instead of spending heavily on solid gold or silver. With electroplating, it also becomes easier to make design variations on metals such as gold, silver, or copper. The role of a high-quality, electroplating company is invaluable in the jewelry industry. Be it a low-cost nickel ring or a bronze medal – all metal substrates used in modern-day jewelry manufacturing companies are first electroplated.
Other Uses of Electroplating
Electroplating both protects metal substrates and makes them look decorative. For instance, in the automobile industry, electroplating is used to create perfect car fenders. The steel is electroplated with chromium so that the fenders are rust-free and shiny. The use of bronze alloys instead of chromium is also popular in the automobile industry. The electroplated layers’ desired thickness is the most important consideration that experts need to make to get the perfect results. For instance, the average plated metal’s thickness is anything between 0.5 microns to 20 microns. Even these thin electroplated layers can do the job in terms of rust-prevention or protecting the metal substrates. These coatings last for decades without facing too much damage.
