What is electroplating?

Electroplating is a process used to apply a new metal surface coating over a substrate, or base material. Depending on the coatings, or combinations of coatings, selected a variety of outcomes can be gained. Outcomes can include aesthetic and/or hardness and/or corrosion protection qualities.

Based on the principles of Electrolysis, electroplating involves: “the transfer of metal from an ‘anode’, to the surface of an item, via electric current travelling to the ‘cathode’, whilst suspended in an ‘electrolyte’ (a liquid solution of substances which enable the transfer)”.

Because the process involves the use of electric current, the results will reflect the nature by which electricity travels − i.e. to the highest points first. This will always result in slight variations in the amount of anode metal transferred to the various surfaces of an item. This is quite acceptable for most ‘decorative’ plating applications but in some industrial scenarios, where tolerances are narrow or precise, “electroless” plating can be a better option.

What are some product design considerations for plating?

The nature of electroplating therefore demands that some consideration be given to the impact on achieving a desired surface quality from different shapes and designs. For instance if a high build up is not desired in certain areas, perhaps a rounding of the edge design will enable a better outcome; or, if it is desirable to achieve a good finish in a recessed area, there may be a need to adjust the component design or rack design or use auxiliary anodes to improve the ‘throw’ of current. In any event the design of both the product and the rack or jig plays an important part in the final finish of the product and we recommend involving your electroplater in your product design decisions.

A Class Plating can assist manufacturers to work through these and many other issues like substrate condition, polishing for high lustre plating results, dealing with casting pits, machine oil, swarf or other pre-cleaning challenges, selecting appropriate finishes for your products and more.

How do I clean my silver plated (chrome plated, gold plated, copper plated) items?

Please see our tips for cleaning plated goods page.

I have heard that chrome plating can get a condition called “chrome burn”. Can you please explain what chrome burn is and if it is a problem?

Chrome burn happens when plating is applied with a higher current than necessary or usual. Sometimes it’s accidental or design fault related, however sometimes the plater will deliberately chrome burn an item to ensure adequate throw and coverage of chrome plating into all the areas of the item. It is quite common for awkward shapes to be chrome burned in the plating process. The chrome burn itself is whitish in colour (it appears cloudy). Restoration work incorporates an extra polishing process to remove any chrome burn. After polishing you would never know the difference and of course you will have a better plating job as the high current has helped to cover the low points and recessed areas.

I am a manufacturer and require parts plating services regularly. What sort of turn-around time should I expect?

For regular work of reasonable volumes, we aim for a production turnaround time of 3 to 5 business days, depending on your process requirements. Some finishes require multiple processes so can take a few extra days depending on production load.

How will I know if I am getting a good quality job?

Unless you have had plating or polishing work done elsewhere you possibly won’t know the difference, but we like to think our quality speaks for itself. (Actually a lot of our customers tell us our work is of exceptional quality, compared to their other experiences). A lot of our work comes to us from word of mouth.