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Electroplating Services

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Electroplating is an electrochemical surface coating process that is used to coat a surface with a thin coating of metal. This is achieved by delivering a direct electric current to the coating material that causes electrons to dissolve into an electrolyte solution where they move and are deposited onto the (negatively charged) receiving metal. 

The metal coating delivered through electroplating processes can be corrosion resistant, wear resistant, or provide other desirable properties such as enhancing appearance with specific metal finishes, as with gold plated parts. Originally invented in 1805, modern electroplating uses a range of plating metals, including zinc, nickel alloys, chromium plating, and more.

How Electroplating Works

The process requires three components:

  • Anode: The metal that will be deposited
  • Cathode: The object to be plated
  • Electrolyte: A liquid solution into which the anode material will dissolve so it can pass to the surface of the cathode

Metal electroplating works in a similar manner for different metals. For example, to electroplate copper, a current is used to deposit the copper atoms from a copper source material (anode) to the metal to be plated (cathode). The positive current causes the anode to lose electrons through oxidation which then become copper ions that are attracted to, and deposit onto, the negatively charged cathode.

Step-by-Step:

  • Set-Up: The cathode and the anode are both submerged in an electrolyte solution
  • Connection: The anode is connected to the positive terminal of a DC power supply and the cathode is connected to the negative terminal
  • Electrolysis: As the electric current flows through the solution, the positively charged anode loses electrons that dissolve into the electrolyte as positive ions
  • Deposition: The positive metal ions are attracted to the negatively charged cathode, where they gain electrons and deposit to form a thin yet solid layer on the surface of the cathode

Core Research Programme (CRP) and Joint Industry Projects (JIP)

Core Research

Each year the TWI Core Research Programme (CRP) addresses challenges on behalf of our Industrial Members as well as developing specific technologies and processes. Each of the projects under the CRP is focussed on engineering, materials or manufacturing technologies.

Find out more here

Joint Industry Projects

TWI also conducts Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) that bring together groups of Industrial Members to share the cost of research activities in areas of mutual industrial interest, gaining exclusive access to the outcomes. These projects cover a broad range of topics.

Find out more here

Applications:

Electroplating has found a range of applications across industry to improve the surface qualities of objects as well as to add aesthetic and functional properties to components. For example, thin layers of chromium, zinc, tin or nickel plating can improve corrosion resistance, while gold plating can be used on visors to protect against solar radiation in space.

Capable of improving properties such as abrasion and corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, lubricity and reflectivity, electroplating is used on automotive and aero engine parts, marine propellers, medical implants, and the smallest, copper-plated, circuit boards.

Electroplating at TWI

We have decades of experience in the selection and testing of plating technologies for a wide range of applications and environments.

Our experts provide assistance to industry through the development and qualification of plating chemistries, process and product performance evaluation, small part plating, and consultancy services.

In addition to the capability to plate copper, nickel, platinum, palladium, zinc, zinc-nickel, zinc-cobalt, zinc-iron, trivalent chromium coatings on metallic substrates, we are also active in the development of other electrochemical and chemical coatings including:

  • Alternatives to cadmium plating
  • REACH compliant anodising
  • REACH compliant alternatives to Cr(VI) chromate conversion / passivation treatments

We also perform surface characterisation and mechanical performance testing, including for adhesion and hardness. 

Industry Standard Support

Our integrated plating and testing capabilities are used to deliver industry-trusted validation for critical coating applications.

We work across all industry sectors, with capability aligned to automotive, aerospace, defence, military, and marine standards. In addition, we have experience and expertise in performing bespoke testing in simulated service environments.

By combining process expertise with comprehensive analytical tools, we deliver reliable, standards-compliant results that support qualification, R&D, and production-scale decision making.

To find out more about how our comprehensive electroplating support can help improve your processes, meet your challenges and improve efficiencies, please email contactus@twi.co.uk. 

For more information please email:


contactus@twi.co.uk