Electroplating is the process of using the principle of electrolysis to coat a thin layer of other metals or alloys on the surface of certain metals. Such as rust), improve wear resistance, electrical conductivity, reflectivity, corrosion resistance (copper sulfate, etc.), and enhance aesthetics.
Electroplating is further divided into specific processes such as copper plating, gold plating, silver plating, chrome plating, nickel plating, and zinc plating. In the manufacturing field, zinc plating, nickel plating, and chrome plating are the most widely used. And there must be some difference between the three, right?
Galvanized
Definition: Galvanizing refers to a surface treatment technology that coats a layer of zinc on the surface of metals, alloys, or other materials for aesthetics and rust prevention.
Features: low cost, general anti-corrosion, silver-white color.
Applications: Screws, circuit breakers, industrial supplies, etc.
Nickel plated
Definition: A method of plating a layer of nickel on metal or some non-metals by electrolysis or chemical methods, called nickel plating.
Features: beautiful, can be decorated, high price, slightly complicated process, the color is silver white and yellow.
Applications: energy-saving lamp caps, coins, hardware, etc.
Chrome plated
Definition: Chromium is a kind of bright white metal with a slight bluish color. It is a method of plating a layer of chromium on a metal or some non-metal by electrolytic or chemical methods, which is called chrome plating.
Features: There are two kinds of chrome plating, the first one is for decoration, with a bright appearance and good abrasion resistance, and its rust resistance is not as good as galvanized, which is worse than oxidation; the second is to increase the hardness and wear resistance of metal parts, etc., which is the functionality of the part.
Application: Bright decorative parts, tools, faucets, etc. on home appliances, electronics, and other products.
The most basic difference between the three types of electroplating：
- Chrome plating is mainly to improve surface hardness, beautiful appearance, and rust prevention. Chromium plating has good chemical stability and does not act in alkali, sulfide, nitric acid, and most organic acids, but is soluble in hydrohalic acid (such as hydrochloric acid) and hot sulfuric acid. Because chrome does not change color, it can maintain its reflective ability for a long time and is better than silver and nickel. The process is generally electroplating.
- Nickel plating is mainly wear-resistant, anti-corrosion, anti-rust, and generally thin, and the process is divided into two categories: electroplating and chemical.
- Galvanized is mainly beautiful and rust-proof. Zn is an active metal that can react with acids, so it has poor corrosion resistance and is the cheapest of the three.
The difference in cost is that chrome plating is the most expensive, nickel is second, and zinc is the cheapest. Among them, rack plating, barrel plating, etc. are also distinguished. Rack plating is expensive, and barrel plating is cheap.
In terms of color, the chrome plating is bright white, the nickel plating is a little yellow and the galvanized silver white.
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