Electroplating is the process of depositing a metal onto the surface of another metal to change the characteristics of the base metal. The plating can be used to improve appearance, conductivity, corrosion resistance, hardness, lubricity or solderability. Electroplating requires a positively charged Anode (metal source) submersed in a specific solution alongside a negatively charged Cathode (parts being plated). When this occurs in the proper setting, positively charged ions of metal are released from the Anode and are attracted to an abundance of negatively charged electrons at the surface of the Cathode.
Electroplating differs from Electroless Plating in that it requires an external direct current (DC) source of electrical current. Electroless plating obtains its electrical current by means of a reduction reaction (autocatalytic) among the chemical components. For more detail on Electroless Plating click here.
Reliable Plating offers a multitude of electroplated finishes listed below:
